Heritage Messenger - Spring 2017

SPRING 2017

Baxter the Reading Dog Thanks to the vision of Heritage fifth-grade teacher, Jen Miller, this adorable pup is helping students gain confidence with their reading and writing skills through an innovative pilot program.

CONTENTS

14

32

24

3

CEO PERSPECTIVE How the Vision 2017 strategic plan has made a positive impact on the school’s direction.

6

INTRODUCING BAXTER, THE READING DOG Meet the precious canine who is making learning fun for Heritage fifth-grade students.

10

TIA CAVANAUGH-FAVORS BRINGS EXPERIENCE AND PASSION TO HER NEW ROLE This passionate new employee’s experience has prepared her well for her important, new discipleship role on campus.

Heritage Messenger Spring 2017

MESSENGER STAFF Gary Roebbelen, Executive Editor Lauren Schneider, Managing Editor Lisa Abbott, Editor & Lead Writer Bri Salm, Designer messenger@heritagechristian.net Cover photo courtesy of Studio Thirteen Photography

14

SCHNEIDER ELECTED NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Heritage expresses gratitude for years of service from outgoing chairman, Doug Waltz, as it welcomes Scott Schneider to the role.

15

HERITAGE’S LITTLEST STUDENTS Learn how Heritage is responding to families’ growing need for quality, Christ-centered, early childhood education.

20

THRIVE CAMPAIGN DONORS NEEDED TO CROSS THE FINISH LINE With the end goal in sight, there are plenty of opportunities for more to get involved.

24

VISUAL ARTS ARE PART OF HOLISTIC EDUCATION AT HERITAGE Meet the talented team of instructors leading Heritage’s robust, K-12 visual arts program.

29

FRANKIE YOUNG MAKES A SEAMLESS TRANSITION TO HERITAGE For this dynamic new Heritage student, transferring to Heritage has been a cinch.

32

THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAMS Through a successful partnership with St. Vincent Sports Performance, Heritage has assembled a strong team of medical and athletic training experts.

36

ATHLETIC NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS Catch up on the latest photos and athletic news.

18

TEACHER PROFILE Discover Elena Landa’s creative approach to teaching her native Spanish language and culture.

To learn more about Studio 13 photography, visit www.studio13online.com or call (317) 923-1122.

CEO PERSPECTIVE

Photo courtesy of Studio13

A

s I consider the hard work that our faculty, staff and leadership devote to our students and their families, day in and day out, I often reflect on the words of pastor and author, Mark Batterson. In his book, The Circle Maker, Batterson recounts the old saying, “Work like it depends on us and pray like it depends on God.” In the midst of our team’s hard work, we have prayed in earnest for God’s continued blessing on our efforts. I believe that, without a doubt, the positive energy and momentum we’re witnessing in strategic areas of our school’s growth reflect His gracious response and the magnitude of His love for the students we serve.

Less than three short years ago, our leadership team defined and articulated our dream for the future of Heritage Christian School.

We aspire for our school to be “A light that shines in the darkness, a premier institution increasingly recognized as a model and benchmark of relevant twenty-first century Christian education, transforming lives and reaching the world for Christ.”

We developed a comprehensive strategic plan in 2014 to help us make progress toward this goal and dubbed it “Vision 2017.”

Today, we are living out the dream we envisioned. It’s exciting to see how God has enabled us to create forward momentum that is quickly and tangibly moving us closer to the vision He placed in our hearts and minds. Here’s a brief look at how and where we’ve made some of the most significant progress in achieving our established objectives: Securing Our Future Through Enhanced Financial Stability Through fiscal responsibility and an effective fundraising campaign, we’ve achieved three consecutive years of increase in net assets and debt compliance. Thanks to the generous donor response to our Thrive campaign, we currently have received pledges for $3.3 million of our $4 million goal. These positive outcomes directly affect our ability to reach our goals of eliminating debt, providing a 10 percent salary increase for our faculty and staff and achieving growth objectives. We are well on our way toward securing the financially secure future that we desire.

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

3

CEO PERSPECTIVE AGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL VISION 2017

2017

CEO PERSPECTIVE

HERITAGE CHRIST

assistance offered to more deserving families, made possible, in part, by giving through the tax-credit scholarship (SGO) DREAM program. Our desire to make excellent Heritage Christian School will be Christian education at Heritage an option a light that shines in the darkness, for more students in our community is a premier institution increasingly coming to fruition, and it’s gratifying to recognized as a model and see it happen.

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION Enhance quality and increase quantity of academic offerings, opportunities and resources with a focus on critical thinking and college prep • Be intentional and innovative in use of technology as a tool to enhance academics

t.

benchmark of relevant 21st century

SECURE OUR FUTURE

TEACH, MENTOR, TRAIN

Improve HCS value proposition, affirm mission and execute Vision 2017 strategy • Strengthen culture of donor discipleship and launch major fundraising initiative

Refine and elevate culture of discipleship • Continue commitment to integrate biblical worldview into educational experience, emphasizing Christian character

Christian education, transforming

Connecting, Enriching and Developing Our People

lives and reaching the world for Christ.

SECUR OUR FUT

Improve HC proposition, affir and execute Vision • Strengthen cultu discipleship an major fundr initiativ

Our incredible faculty and staff are our school’s most valuable resource.

Continuing to attract high-quality DISCIPLESHIP FINANCIAL employees and retain the best of the best Glorify • Disciple • Pursue in Christian education requires a multiVISION faceted 2014, our financial We will provideapproach. an outstandingIn Christ-focused educational environment where, working with position required our leadership to make ADVANCEMENT PEOPLE Christian families and churches, students will besome thoroughly prepared to fulfill God’s tough decisions that involved a purpose for their lives. restructuring plan and reduction in our • Prepare the next generation of leaders to impact our world for Christ EXPAND workforce.

These painful short-term CONNECT, OUR REACH ENRICH, DEVELOP DISCIPLESHIP measures were necessary to achieve Grow admissions and Attract and retain the highest marketing practices to increase Teach: We will teach for Biblical knowledge quality, mission-minded our longer-term goal of increasing our new student enrollment and the facts and doctrines of the Bible and faculty and staff retain existing students principles of Christian living. and enhancing the • teachers’ salaries • Enrich racial, ethnic and socioMentor: We will mentor for transformation Expand presence to further economic diversity in forbuilding employees to join byvalue modelingproposition the Christian lifestyle, impact both internal and our school community relationships and cultivating character. external communities and remain on our team. We launched Train: We will train for service by using spiritual thesharing Thrive fundraising gifts, the Gospel and providingcampaign with ministry opportunities. a primary objective of achieving this important goal. I’m delighted to report that as a direct result of the Thrive campaign contributions, in January 2017 Expanding Our Reach and Presence to Further Impact in discipleship. We want to be able to integrate that K-12, in a families expect and deserve.

One of things we’re at withseries of we provided our faculty and staff with the firstlooking of a planned Our Internal and External Communities way that’s age appropriate. The third thing is to communicate our comprehensive fundraising campaign is to be able to increase much-needed salary increases. Generous additional contributions to our approach to previous discipleship both internallyour andadmissions salaries. Improving the value proposition for our employees After seven yearseffectively, of declining enrollment, the annual 2016 Worthy Servants campaign raised an unprecedented also and externally.

Weteams want have people to know we’re distinctive. vitally important to securing our future and moving marketing worked hardhow to help deliver two straight is vitally, nearly $215,000 for a holiday gift to our employees.

I’m years convinced that in our culture today, if children don’t have Heritage forward. of increased enrollment and three years of a 90 percent a biblical worldview of life, of God’s purpose for their lives, In addition, we comes are narrowing historically starting salary thing that to mindour is our desire tolow expand retention rate. We have reengineered virtually all of our admissions'The other of a life that is Christ focused, by default they are going to gap by raising our minimum teacher salary to $30,000.

There’s still diversity within our Heritage community. We want to expand processes since 2014, making it easier for prospective families get a worldview that’s non-biblical and not Christ focused; a diversity racially and of socio-economically. moreethnically, room to grow in both these areas, but we We are want thrilled with to do business withfrom us. We have alsoelse. seen A increased financial worldview that comes someplace worldview that’said to make a Christian education affordable for more families. not based on truth. It might even be a worldview where truth is We’re making some strides there. We currently have a minority just relative and meaningless. That’s dangerous. That motivates population at Heritage that’s approaching 20 percent. That’s me even more to tell our story of how Heritage is distinctive. up significantly from where it has been. As we seek to enrich our community in terms of diversity, we need to do that in our Fall play 2012 Spring Spring 2014 What role do people in the strategic plan? employee base2013 as well.

Sometimes we can think too much in terms of balance sheets and ◦ Organizational restructuring ◦ Creation and communication of ◦ Jeff Freeman named CEO income statements and financial things, but what’s really most We’ve defined advancement as expanding our Vision 2017 strategic plan ◦ Creation of short-term action plan to important is people. They are our most valuable assets. Certainly, reach. How does that play out at Heritage? ◦ Feasibility study for Thrive

address declining enrollment, financial

that involves our own faculty and staff. To that end, we are Expanding our reach in terms of enrollment is a significant fundraising campaign and leadership transitionsfor our faithful looking forchallenges ways to enhance the value proposition strategy for us. We are addressing the decline we’ve seen in servants who work here at Heritage. That’s a crucial thing; to enrollment and we’re at a place where we’ve stabilized it, be able to retain and attract the best and brightest committed but now we need to do the kinds of things that will add to our Christians, to be able to deliver the kind of education that our enrollment.

4

ACADEMIC

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

MISSION

We will glorify God through the discipleship of students and the pursuit of excellence in education with the Bible as our foundation and Jesus Christ as our focus.

SPRING 2015 HERITAGE MESSENGER

19

CEO PERSPECTIVE the positive steps we’re taking toward equitable compensation for our faculty and staff. It’s also worth noting that our employee health care premiums have not experienced any increases for the past two consecutive years.

We’re also delivering on our pursuit to expand ongoing professional development opportunities for our teachers, ensuring that they have the resources and ongoing training they need to deliver the high caliber of education for which we’re so well known and respected.

Last, but not least, we are prioritizing our organizational value of celebrating diversity within our Heritage community. I’m pleased to report that due to our intentional focus on cultural diversity within our student body, we have grown minority representation to a full 25 percent. Our desire is for our campus to be a place where we authentically celebrate the principle of biblical unity that transcends some of the barriers that exist in our world and culture.

Teaching, Mentoring and Training Students and Elevating Our Culture of Discipleship We have been committed to the founding spiritual vision of Heritage Christian School, and will remain so. Perhaps even more than ever, we uphold the conviction that God’s Word is the inerrant, sole authority for the Christian life. Through our “Teach, Mentor, Train” discipleship model, we have taken a close and intentional look at the ways we instruct and model biblical principles for our students.

We’ve adopted a very wholistic approach that makes discipleship an integral part of every class, athletic and extracurricular activity, across the board. We want students to understand that a relationship with Christ permeates the whole of life, rather than compartmentalized pieces of it. Over the past three years, we have grown and solidified our discipleship team of adults who are dedicated to promoting spiritual growth throughout our diverse student body.

marketplace and that it’s our job to give them the best possible educational tools we can find. Today, many of those tools involve technology. So, we’ve dedicated resources and attention to integrating technology into our classrooms. Today, our 1:1 technology initiative, which makes iPads a fundamental learning tool, is the norm in our high school. Next year, it will also become a part of daily life in our middle school. Even at the elementary and intermediate level, our teachers now have access to iPad carts to incorporate creative, age-appropriate technology in their classrooms.

We’re rapidly expanding our students’ opportunities to engage with science, engineering, technology and math (STEM). In both our middle school and high school, we’ve implemented several measures that offer our students more flexibility and a greater number of academic choices. In the middle school, we’ve added new technology-focused electives and art instruction options. We’ve expanded our high school offerings to include more advanced placement (AP) and dual-credit courses and also created a “J-term” that offers a broad range of academic topics and educational opportunities during the first week of the second semester. For grades seven through 12, we’ve altered students’ prior daily schedule to create a resource period. It allows time for them to get additional academic help or to disciple and mentor younger students.

It’s truly humbling to look at where God has brought us over the past three years. Vision 2017 has served as the roadmap to the future that now has become our present. We’re grateful for the progress we’ve made. We’ve done our part. But make no mistake; any blessings we enjoy today come from God’s gracious hand of favor.

We’ll continue to work and pray for His very best for the future of Heritage Christian School. It’s a privilege to be part of all that He’s doing among us.

Excellence in Education Over more than 50 years, Heritage has built a reputation for academic excellence. We know that we are preparing the next generation of Christians who will lead in both ministry and the

Winter 2016

Summer 2014 ◦ Thrive campaign planning ◦ Reengineering of admissions process

Jeff Freeman, CEO

◦ ◦ ◦

Announcement of initial 2.5% salary increase for faculty and staff $3.3 million in Thrive pledges toward $4 million goal Sustained enrollment growth, 90% retention rate, improved financial stability

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

5

Photo courtesy of Studio13

INTRODUCING BAXTER

W

Research Behind the Approach

hen Heritage debuted a pilot of an innovative, groundbreaking approach to language arts instruction for fifth-grade students this year, it arrived in the unexpected and precious form of an adorable, ebony canine named Baxter. The highly trained, chocolate-brown-eyed Portuguese Water Dog has become a popular and heartwarming addition to the school’s intermediate wing. His hallway and classroom presence elicits smiles and greetings from kids and adults alike, as he accompanies his owner/handler and constant companion, Heritage fifth-grade teacher, Jen Miller.

But Baxter is more than just a cuddly guest. Three days each week, he performs a specific and important job: helping to facilitate and foster a language arts classroom environment that’s conducive to optimal learning. As a trained, certified and insured volunteer therapy dog through Therapy Dogs International (TDI), it’s a role for which the 23-month-old puppy has prepared since birth.

Baxter’s easy-going temperament makes him well suited to spending his days with a classroom full of eleven-year-olds. One of his favorite spots is right in the middle of a small group of students, whom Miller has invited to join her in discussing the novel they’re currently reading and studying. The kids sit on the floor, cross-legged, encircling their furry friend on the fuzzy blanket that was Baxter’s Christmas present this year.

It’s custom-embroidered with the words, “Sit, Stay, Read.” While Miller engages her students in lively conversations, Baxter receives strokes of affection from them and reciprocates by giving them friendly kisses.

Miller’s observations parallel those of other educators who have explored the impact animals can make in educational settings.

In her book, Why the Wild Things Are: Animals in the Lives of Children (2001), Dr. Gail Melson, Purdue’s professor emerita of human development and family studies, says, “Dialogue with [animals] offers a time-out from the anxieties of human exchange… despite most children’s acknowledgement that pets cannot literally comprehend what they are saying, children have the feeling of being heard and understood.”

Educational researchers consistently point to the importance of actively engaging students in the process of reading. A 2006 study (Anderson and Olson) determined that interacting with a therapy dog seemed to encourage positive communication between students because the children saw the therapy dog as a supportive classroom “friend.” The authors suggest that dogs may have a calming effect the passion and on children aged six through eleven, by modeling acceptance, affection and trust.

“The Lord put great love of being a teacher into my heart. My dream with Baxter was to marry my two passions of dogs and teaching kids.”

- Jen

But Baxter is much more than an ornamental member of the reading circle. For students who struggle with anxiety about reading, he is a non-judgmental listener and source of unconditional love and acceptance. Even for the kids for whom reading comes more easily, he has become an integral part of their language arts studies, thanks to Miller’s masterful, focused work.

She weaves Baxter into their literary conversations, posing questions that include him. “What would you tell Baxter about the way this character changes throughout the course of the story?” she asks.

Hands shoot up with excited answers to her question. Often, the kids direct their responses as much to Baxter as to their teacher.

This dog-student-teacher interaction is completely by design. Miller says her students are motivated by the dog’s presence. “Students will open up and have more information to give, just by directing the conversation to Baxter. He intrinsically motivates students in a magical, unforeseen way that’s just mind-boggling,” she says. “He’s like a reading whisperer.”

Although the Heritage pilot in some ways mirrors the research-based methodology used by other similar national reading education programs, the program is unique to the school. Miller says it’s not unusual for therapy dogs and their volunteers to visit schools or libraries periodically, but Miller her combined roles of owner, handler and classroom teacher are part of what differentiates the Heritage pilot program from others. Baxter’s consistent, three-day volunteer work schedule represents a significant and uncommon commitment, as well.

Initial Feedback and Tangible Results Miller says she already has seen tangible evidence that Baxter’s presence is making a difference in learning experiences for kids, across a wide range of reading ability. She has tested several students, measuring their Lexile scores before and after spending instructional time with Baxter. She plans to administer three to four additional formal student assessments throughout the year.

The initial results have so far been unilaterally positive and encouraging. Six out of the eight students she tested showed significant improvement in their Lexile scores, after spending just eight weeks learning with Baxter.

Part of Miller’s research has included testing one fifth-grade student who struggled with reading anxiety. After just one session with Baxter, the student’s Lexile score soared by an astounding 367

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

7

INTRODUCING BAXTER

percent. “Baxter helps him relax and calm his nerves, which helps him to focus and improves his comprehension,” says the student’s mother. “Baxter’s presence instills an attitude of comfort and confidence when he’s reading, helping him to focus on the task at hand and not worrying about his personal challenges. We’re thrilled to see that our son’s reading scores improved dramatically once he started working with Baxter. He’s a great reading buddy for him.”

Parent support for the unconventional initiative has been overwhelming, says Miller. Prior to launching the pilot program, she sent all fifth-grade parents a survey to gauge their potential interest in and support of having a trained reading therapy dog in their children’s classroom. Within 24 hours, 100 percent of the parents responded to the survey with enthusiasm for the new approach.

She issued another survey a month later, requesting the parents’ input on the program’s initial effectiveness. One hundred percent of them voiced their approval and all of them said their children had mentioned Baxter to their parents at home.

How it All Began Miller, a 25-year teaching veteran and serious dog lover, grieved over the 2014 deaths of her two beloved pet dogs. When she eventually entertained the idea of getting another pet, she recalled having seen a reading therapy dog program at a local library, many years earlier. With a fervent desire to see her students succeed at reading, she began to wonder if she could find and train a dog for a similar purpose in her classroom. She started to research the prospect.

Based on its wonderful temperament, hypoallergenic fur and moderate size, the Portuguese Water Dog seemed like a natural breed to consider. Miller contacted a breeder in Elkhart, inquiring about a forthcoming litter of puppies. She also shared her vision with Brenda Klingerman, Heritage’s academic director and elementary/ intermediate school principal. Klingerman immediately recognized the academic merit of the idea and responded enthusiastically to it.

“It just made sense,” she says. “We began dreaming about what it could look like.” Before he had even been born, Miller says God had created a special plan of service for Baxter’s life.

Once the puppy arrived, he began an 18-month, intensive training process in order to meet the TDI certification requirements. When Miller brought Baxter on campus to visit campers at Heritage’s Day Camps program during the summer of 2016, Klingerman says the positive response he received from kids and adults alike signaled that they were on to something. Out of her desire to positively impact her students with Baxter’s presence, Miller has provided the insurance coverage necessary for him to work on campus.

8

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

In September of 2016, Baxter graduated from the TDI program with flying colors and also earned his title certificate as a Canine Good Citizen from the American Kennel Club. He made his classroom debut on Nov. 1, 2016.

Every day since then, Baxter has brought joy and smiles to the Heritage students, parents and faculty who have met him. But just as importantly, Miller says he is helping her to achieve her preeminent goal of developing “not just proficient, but lifelong readers.” For the teacher who once contemplated becoming a veterinarian, the unusual partnership with her puppy brings her personal and professional satisfaction. “The Lord put the passion and great love of being a teacher into my heart. My dream with Baxter was to marry my two passions of dogs and teaching kids,” she explains.

Miller credits her Cedarville professor, Ruth Anne Hille, for having fostered her own desire to cultivate students’ life-long love for reading. She also cites author Mark Twain’s quotation as a source of her inspiration: “The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them.”

The positive impact of a therapy dog’s presence, Miller says, is huge.

“A traditional classroom atmosphere does a 180-degree turn with the presence of a therapy dog,” she says. “A whole new world could be opened up to a student as a result.”

Miller says she’s grateful to be teaching in a school where “our administration is so open to best practices for our students. It always comes back to the best interest of students. That’s where our hearts are,” she explains. “Heritage is such a special place to do ministry.

This is just another proof.”

Baxter has become so popular that he’s receiving requests from other teachers, to spend time in their classrooms, too. But for now, Klingerman says they’re assessing and intentionally taking the pilot program one step at a time.

In the meantime, Baxter is doing what he seems to do best; offering students the gift of his easy-going, lovable presence. He’s easy to spot, in his Heritage-inspired royal blue doggie vest. It bears the golden, embroidered insignia of a paw print within the outline of a heart, the universal symbol of a therapy dog’s unconditional love. If you ask the fortunate fifth graders he’s helping this year, Baxter the Reading Dog delivers that and a whole lot more.

INTRODUCING BAXTER

“He intrinsically motivates students in a magical, unforeseen way that’s just mindboggling. He’s like a reading whisperer.”

- Jen Miller

Photos courtesy of Studio13

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

9

I

n talking with Tia Cavanaugh-Favors, it doesn’t take long to discover her heartfelt passion for children and her love for Heritage students. The path that led her to her newly created role of discipleship diversity mentor has been paved with educational, professional and life experience that makes her perfectly suited for the job.

After earning her degree in child development/child psychology from Indiana University, Cavanaugh-Favors says she knew that she wanted to help children from all walks of life. “If you’re going to help families, it’s hard to tell them what to do if you’ve not done it yourself,” she says. “I wanted to be in a position where I could say I had worked in every aspect of child welfare, so that wherever I ultimately ended up, I could say that I had been there.” Indeed, Cavanaugh-Favors has been there. You might not guess, given her soft-spoken nature, that she began her career as a fierce advocate for the rights of children in some pretty tough circumstances.

10

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

She first took an investigative role within Child Protective Services (CPS), working extensively with child welfare cases where abuse and neglect had been reported. “It gave me such perspective in helping all families,” she says. She learned that human brokenness is not limited by economic standing, as she advanced into handling ultra-confidential, alleged high-profile abuse and neglect cases in the city of Indianapolis. The heartbreaking cases evoked her innate compassion and desire to make a difference.

Cavanaugh-Favors’ next professional assignment focused on adoption facilitation and therapeutic foster care. Here, too, she poured her heart and soul into helping children. This time, she addressed the difficult and unique challenges of children whose primary attachments with their birth parents had been compromised or severed.

Looking back on these early professional experiences with children and families, she believes that her God-given gift of discernment was

DIVERSITY & DISCIPLESHIP

hers “to use for their benefit and for His glory.” Her tender heart was drawn to the children she served, many of whom had special needs.

Through God-ordained circumstances, Cavanaugh-Favors became the mother of one such precious baby girl who needed a loving, adoptive home. “I’ve always believed that if you want to make a difference, be the change,” she says. “I decided to be the change.”

As her family grew, she balanced motherhood with various full-time positions within her professional field. When her second daughter was born, she shifted to working part-time, in positions that enabled her to largely work remotely.

From Prospective Parent to Heritage Employee Cavanaugh-Favors first intersected with Heritage last year, when she explored it as a possible middle school option for her daughter, Maya. On their first campus visit, they loved what they saw and experienced. Positive encounters with several staff members sold them on the school and they enrolled Maya to become a Heritage

seventh grader for the 2016/2017 school year.

Sometime during the first few weeks of school, Cavanaugh-Favors scrolled through the school’s website, looking for some required online forms that needed to be completed for her daughter. She stumbled on the short list of faculty and staff positions that were currently. The title of “diversity discipleship mentor” caught her attention.

During the summer of 2016, Heritage leadership identified a need for another qualified individual to join the existing discipleship team as a mentor, role model and shepherd for middle and high school students. With the intentional growth of diversity in the school’s student body, it needed to be someone who could understand the unique and growing needs of an increasingly diverse group of students. Heritage CEO, Jeff Freeman, says, “It’s very important, as we realize that as our student body has changed, so must our employee representation.”

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

11

DIVERSITY & DISCIPLESHIP The job description and qualifications tapped Cavanaugh-Favors’ passion for working with children. She clicked on the website link to learn more about the position. She was excited to know that Heritage was addressing diversity, but she dismissed the idea of applying for the job, knowing that she already had a busy, full-time job as a mother and active leader in her church. “But God just left it on my heart and in my mind,” she says. “He kept pricking my heart.”

In the weeks that followed, she noticed that the job listing continued to appear in the school’s weekly news bulletin. She began to wonder if God was beckoning her into service.

Making an Immediate Impact In addition to her work with students and staff, Cavanaugh-Favors also holds a seat on the school’s Diversity Council, comprised of pastors, Heritage parents, teachers and a board member. The group provides valuable feedback to Heritage leadership, as the school seeks to build unity in the school community while continuing to honor students’ diverse backgrounds and life experiences.

On her very first day in her new job, Cavanaugh-Favors visited the popular Commons area in the high school, where students often gather for snacks and conversation between classes and before and Still not sure she wanted to apply, Cavanaugh-Favors printed off the after school. She anticipated having to initiate her introductory description and showed it to a family member, who responded with, interactions with students. Never in her wildest dreams would she “Did they write this job description for you? This is you!” Weeks have envisioned them forming a line, waiting to meet and introduce passed. The job kept popping up across various communications themselves to her. The unlikely scenario unfolded before her eyes. from the school. Each time it did, Cavanaugh-Favors wondered if At once surprised and delighted, she met many of the students who God was behind it. “I kept looking for reasons why I couldn’t do continued to seek her out for support and counsel. “Confirmation the job,” she says. One of the final tests was to float the idea with came within days of me being here,” she says. “Right off the bat, her girls. To her surprise, they loved the idea and encouraged her I had an opportunity to share to apply for the job. God lined up and minister and pray. The circumstances and cleared what “The great thing about being at Heritage opportunities have not stopped might have been potential obstacles. since.” is that this is the first time that I get

She completed the online Cavanaugh-Favors, affectionately to practice my faith along with my application, growing more and more also called “Miss Maya’s Mom” profession. This is an exciting, exciting excited as she did. “This is my life!” by the mostly female students she she thought. “This is what I’ve done place for me to be in life. I feel like it has all sees during her fast-paced days in my work, my life, my church and on campus, says her presence as culminated in my coming here.” my home.” Her words flowed freely, a black woman in a professional as she shared her story of growing role on campus sends an important – Heritage discipleship diversity mentor, up as a preacher’s kid, coming to message to minority students. It Tia Cavanaugh-Favors faith at age eleven and solidifying opens doors for her to help them her walk with Christ at age 17. She see their own value and to feel included details about her professional experience and concluded welcome in their academic and social environment. “I am the face of the application with the unconventional admonition to her would-be someone they can relate to,” she explains. “Not a day goes by when I employer, “You just have to meet me!” don’t go out to the Commons. They come to me. I truly see this as a ministry and as a God-given assignment. It really excites me. Every In Cavanaugh-Favors, Freeman says they not only found a qualified initiative, every idea, every vision has to start somewhere and with candidate, but the person whom God had appointed for the important someone. Why not me? Why not now?” new role on campus. “Her sweet spirit and spiritual maturity and the way the Lord brought her here,” he says, “It was really a GodIn just a short period of time, Cavanaugh-Favors is making an thing.” Cavanaugh-Favors accepted her offer of employment with impact on students’ lives by creating a safe place to share their excitement and a sense of clear direction from God. “The great struggles and receive encouragement. She beams when she talks thing about being at Heritage is that this is the first time that I get about a middle school student who, when she first met her, was to practice my faith along with my profession,” she says. “This is struggling to feel accepted. Her anxiety had routinely kept her home an exciting, exciting place for me to be in life. I feel like it has all from school two to three days each week. “I knew that I had to make culminated in my coming here.” Heritage secondary principal, Jerry her feel valued and loved,” says Cavanaugh-Favors. “I told her, ‘You Stayton, says Cavanaugh-Favors’ presence is all about developing can come to school every day now because I have hugs for you. more opportunities for real-life student ministry. “The bottom line is I’m going to be here. I’ll be looking for you.’” The encouragement that we want to meet students’ needs,” he shares. “High school is just worked. The student has not missed a day of school since. hard. We want to be there to help students when they struggle.”

12

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

Cavanaugh-Favors also lights up about her plans to remarry later this year. The story of her courtship with her fiance, she says, “is just another testament to how awesome God really is.”

Student relationships fuel Cavanaugh-Favors’ passion for continuing the work she has begun at Heritage. “This is just the tip of the iceberg,” she says. “Diversity is not just race. My hope is that I will be able to help foster a unified environment here, where all students feel accepted, valued and empowered for optimal learning. It is my sincere prayer that, together, we will continue to launch students, from all walks of life, onto a road of success and a lifelong journey with Jesus Christ.”

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

13

BOARD NEWS

Doug Waltz (left) and Scott Schneider (right).

T

he Heritage Christian School Board of Directors announced in January that its current board chairman, Doug Waltz, has transitioned from his role. Waltz faithfully served on the Heritage board for a total of eight years and as board chairman for the past five years. He looks forward to continuing to serve on the board as an active member.

Fellow Heritage board member, Scott Schneider, was elected by the current board of directors to assume the position of chairman.

The transition in responsibilities was part of the naturally occurring cycle of the board’s function and operations.

Heritage CEO, Jeff Freeman, says that Waltz’s strong, effective leadership was invaluable to the school. “Doug provided strategic, sacrificial and mission-minded leadership for Heritage’s board of directors,” he explains. “He served in a crucial role during a challenging time in the school’s history. Doug had a difficult job to navigate, and he did it extremely well.”

14

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

Photo courtesy of Studio13

Waltz expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had, and will continue to have, to give back to the school where his children attend and from where he graduated, himself.

“Heritage is a special place to me and my family. It has been an honor for me to serve on the board in the role of chairman,” shares Waltz. “I look forward to continuing the important work of helping to educate the next generation of Christian leaders.”

Like Waltz, Schneider is a Heritage graduate and a parent of Heritage alumni. He brings business, political and three years of Heritage board experience to his new role as chairman. “I am truly honored and humbled to be in this position. I pray that God will continue to be glorified in all that we do and that He will grant us wisdom as we lead Heritage for the next few years. On behalf of the entire Heritage Christian School community, I’d like to offer a special thank you to Doug Waltz for his dedicated, God-honoring service to the school and leadership of our board.”

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Photos courtesy of Studio13

S

ome of the most critical learning on the Heritage campus takes place in the brightly-colored preschool and prep-K classrooms. It is there that the school’s youngest students learn everything from the alphabet to social skills and foundational biblical truth.

Early education is among the most rapidly growing areas of enrollment for Heritage, with two preschool classes and three prep-K classes full to capacity. Plans are underway for the summer of 2017, to create a kid-friendly, dedicated hallway of early education classrooms for even further expansion of the popular program. The area will include an indoor playroom and space for the popular Minds in Motion class, which combines learning with large motor skills. In addition, a generous donation will fund some new early childhood-appropriate equipment for the existing elementary playground. “We’re intentionally working to become more early education-friendly,” says Brenda Klingerman, elementary and intermediate school principal and Heritage’s academic director.

The development and significant growth of Heritage’s early childhood education program has been in direct response to requests from the community and from current Heritage families. “This is where the Lord was leading us; to broaden our educational offerings to include this younger age group,” Klingerman explains. “It’s such a need for families and it’s a great opportunity for us because we believe that the sooner we’re able to begin training little ones, the better prepared they will be.”

Much of the growth has come by word-of-mouth, but the school also has promoted the program to the community through open house events. This year, the school began offering Storytime at Heritage, a monthly interactive story, craft and play time, as a free service to the community. The first event drew four children and their parents. Word spread and attendance tripled at the following one.

The approach is a win-win, for both the community and the school, says Klingerman. It offers parents and their children a free entertainment and learning opportunity and provides the school with a chance to introduce these prospective families to the Heritage campus and approach. Each child who participates in the story time leaves with an informational brochure about Heritage, details about upcoming early education open house events and a royal blue Eagles souvenir t-shirt.

With numerous national studies pointing to the importance of early childhood education, Heritage’s focus on this younger group of students makes a lot of sense. A huge percentage of a child’s cognitive, social and spiritual development occurs before the age of five years. The idea, says Klingerman, is to reach kids during this crucial window of time, to instill in them an early love for lifelong learning and to introduce them to age-appropriate academic and fundamental spiritual principles.

For more information about Heritage’s early education program, contact Admissions at 317.849.3441 or admissions@ heritagechristian.net.

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

15

In 2015, the Messenger shared in depth the story of Heritage alumnus, Dr. Kent Brantly, the first-ever Ebola virus patient to have received treatment in the U.S. The 1999 Heritage graduate and author of Called for Life: How Loving Our Neighbor Led Us into the Heart of the Ebola Epidemic (Waterbrook Press, 2016) made international headlines and the cover of Time, with his testimony of faith and his miraculous healing from the deadly disease.

Samaritan’s Purse has captured the Brantlys’ story in a new film, “Facing Darkness,” which debuted in 2016 at the Heartland Film festival and will play at select Indianapolis theaters for one night only, on Thursday, March 30, 2017. Area venues include the United Artist Galaxy 14 on E. 96th Street and the Goodrich Hamilton 16 at Hamilton Town Center. For more information about the movie and to find additional venues, visit www.facingdarknessmovie.com.

FACING DARKNESS

RELEASES MARCH 30, 2017

Photo courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse

TEACHER PROFILE

Photo courtesy of Studio13

H

eritage Spanish teacher Elena Landa opens each and every one of her class periods by reading to her students in her native tongue, from the ancient book of Psalms. Doing so is both an act of personal worship and a tool to cultivate a classroom environment that’s as conducive to spiritual learning as it is to foreign language.

Since the time Landa was a teenager in her Peruvian homeland, King David’s Hebrew writings have been a source of spiritual strength and a powerful link to her family’s Jewish heritage. The biblical poems, which once formed her prayers as an adolescent, today express the joy she finds in her salvation and vibrant relationship with Yeshua, the Messiah. She says that reading from the Psalms reminds her that everything comes from the Lord. “He’s in control of everything, and it’s all for my growth,” Landa explains.

For this experienced educator with 17 years in private and public school classrooms, much of her current personal and spiritual growth is happening in the context of her first year of teaching Spanish to Heritage intermediate and middle school students.

18

WINTER 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

“I’m so thankful,” Landa says. “Every day, I see how blessed I am here. I’m right where I should be at the moment. I’m so glad that I’m here, positioned for the next leg of my life. I’m humbled by that every day.”

Her students are also growing from the immersion-focused approach she uses in her classroom. The research-based methodology is grounded in solid evidence that young students benefit from learning a second language in much the same way that they learned their first; by hearing it spoken frequently and in a cultural context. Studies show that the cognitive and problemsolving skills students gain from immersion and bilingual studies can even enhance their abilities across other subject areas. After just a semester of this immersion-based approach, Landa’s students are reaping the benefits. Among the biggest dividends, she says, are the frequent smiles she witnesses on the faces of even fifth- and sixth-graders, who are gaining the confidence to carry on basic conversations in Spanish.

For Landa, building her students’ sense of accomplishment is a foundational component to learning. Making mistakes, she says,

TEACHER PROFILE is a necessary part of the process. She believes that the key is to create an environment where it’s safe to stumble over vocabulary and pronunciation in the quest to become conversational.

Initially, Landa says, students’ biggest hurdles are fear of failure, lack of confidence and self-consciousness. She encourages them to speak, without self-correcting as they go. She withholds any of her own gentle correction until after they’ve spoken, then offers suggestions for how they might say it the next time around. With this approach, she says, students practice extending grace to themselves and to one another in the process of learning. In time, they learn that it’s fun to try and it’s okay to make mistakes.

“Creativity is so much better when they feel free,” Landa says.

“Language is organic, not rigid. I teach students that you can make it whatever you want it to be.”

Landa’s convictions about overcoming fear while learning to speak a foreign language spring from her own experience as a multilinguistic individual, herself. Her global life experiences have made her conversant in no fewer than seven languages– Spanish, German, Italian, Danish, Hebrew, French and English– and fluent in four of them. After completing university in Peru, Landa pursued additional language studies in Denmark before coming to the United States. She attained her American citizenship in 2007, served in the role of interpreter at the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and taught classroom Spanish in Knoxville, Tenn. before she and her family moved to Indianapolis in 2016.

it. For seventh graders, it could be through a writing project about the school of their dreams; for eighth graders, it might be in their depiction of either a life coach or a television reporter–all in Spanish, of course. Landa says she constantly asks herself the question, “What do my students need?” and then looks for new, creative ways to address their educational needs and help them to grow.

One of Landa’s favorite Old Testament accounts comes from Genesis, where Jehovah asks the patriarch, Abraham, to sacrifice his son, Isaac, at the altar. A Jewish rabbi once explained to Landa that God uniquely and providentially positioned the sacrificial ram in the thicket, to fulfill a specific role and purpose.

Landa sees the same hand of sovereignty guiding her life and directing her purpose. She believes that God has uniquely prepared and positioned her for the role God has created for her at Heritage. She is well poised and excited to offer her combined love for language, students and her Savior with the Heritage community. “It humbles me to know that God knew my life before everything,” she concludes. “It helps me to know that I can trust Him in the present.”

“Speaking another language is a skill, just like any other, and you have to practice it enough to be able to talk with understanding,” believes Landa. So, practice they do; in daily warm-ups, grammar and mechanics lessons and oral exams. Together, students use their growing vocabulary to string together complete sentences that build verbal story lines. Landa often disguises instruction by making it fun and relevant. “When you’re playing with a language, you don’t realize you’re learning,” she says.

She structures a series of required student projects around themes designed to increase oral fluency. For one class, she asked each student to use an online app and their working Spanish vocabulary to create and then present to the class their unique version of a home they would like to live in. The HGTV-like project unleashed the depth of her students’ creativity, with some exceeding the assignment’s requirements and Landa’s expectations. One student hand-crafted a convincingly precise, mini-replica of her imaginary home. Another built both a digital home model and an accompanying PowerPoint presentation to explain and “sell” its features to the class. “I live for those kinds of moments,” says Landa. “It’s why I teach.”

For each of these projects Landa assigns, she provides the parameters and grading rubric and then, she says, she empowers students to express their own unique style in how they approach

LANDA’S LOVE FOR LANGUAGE TRANSLATES INTO FICTION WRITING Landa is also a published author. Her writing interests led her to publish the short story, “Almost Unnoticed Miracles-John’s iPod and I,” in 2013; and the young adult adventure novel, El Secreto de los Hombres de las Nubes: Libro I (The Cloud People’s Secret), in 2014. In 2015, she wrote another short story, “Jewtopia and Between Heaven and Earth: Chronicle of my Escape from Purgatory.” In 2016, she published Guerrera – She Warrior, the sequel to The Cloud People’s Secret.

WINTER 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

19

THRIVE CAMPAIGN

W

hen Heritage publicly launched the Thrive fundraising campaign in February of 2016, the goal was clear and straightforward: reduce debt in order to increase Heritage employee compensation by 10 percent. To date, the campaign has raised commitments for $3.3 million of the targeted $4 million. With the conclusion of the 2016/2017 school year in sight, Heritage leadership hopes to secure additional donor investments to bring the campaign to a conclusion.

“We’re grateful for all of the generous donors who have enabled us to come very close to meeting our target of $4 million,” explains Jeff Freeman, Heritage CEO. “Raising that final $700,000 dollars is crucial, because it will enable us to meet our ultimate objective of more equitably compensating our talented faculty and staff. It’s critical that we continue to attract and retain the best and brightest employees, and compensation is a big factor.” The contributions already received from more than 300 donors have enabled the school to reduce its debt to below $3 million and to provide an initial 2.5 percent salary increase to Heritage employees. It’s a big step in the right direction, but the final phase of the campaign is important to achieving its primary

objective of an overall 10 percent salary increase for faculty and staff, says Gary Roebbelen, director of development and communications. “We still hear real-life stories of long-tenured Heritage faculty who receive offers to teach in public schools, at nearly double their current salary. We also know of qualified teachers who would love to serve at Heritage, but cannot, because of financial realities. These are the kinds of scenarios we’d like to prevent for the future. Wrapping up the final leg of the Thrive campaign will help us do that.”

The case for increased Heritage employee compensation couldn’t be more compelling.

Despite even the latest increase in a Heritage teacher’s starting base salary, from $27,000 up to $30,000, it’s still a full $10,000 below the starting salary for a teacher serving in the Indianapolis Public School (IPS) system. “We can, and must, do better for our dedicated faculty,” explains Freeman. “We know that they view their work at Heritage as a ministry. But we need to make it possible for them to meet their financial needs so that they can focus their full attention on fulfilling their calling in the classroom.”

TEACHER SALARY COMPARISONS

Starting Base Salary

$40K Indianapolis Public Schools

20

$30K Heritage Christian School

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

Average Salaries for Teachers with 20+ Years Experience

$65K Central Indiana Public Schools

$39K Heritage Christian School

THRIVE CAMPAIGN

The time to give is now, says Roebbelen. “I’m confident that God will meet our needs in the final stages of the Thrive campaign, and it will be exciting to see how He does so,” he concludes. “For any potential donor who has contemplated giving to the Thrive campaign, the time to do it is now. We’re praying for donors to step forward, to carry us across the finish

line of the campaign and propel us toward a bright future.”

To learn more about the Thrive campaign or to make a contribution to it, visit www.heritagechristian.net/thrive or contact Derek Todd, development manager, at derek.todd@ heritagechristian.net or 317.813.3827.

ISACS TEACHERS

HERITAGE TEACHERS

MAXIMUM

MAXIMUM

$79k

$59k

MEDIAN

MEDIAN

$50k

$35k

Even in comparison to other independent schools, Heritage salaries fall short.

The Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS), recently reported the following private and Christian school salary statistics for its members:

Josh McDowell

APRIL 29 6 PM Heritage will host Josh McDowell as keynote speaker for the upcoming Thrive fundraising banquet. McDowell is known internationally for his work as an author, speaker and founder of Operation Carelift and Josh McDowell Ministries (a ministry of Cru). The Thrive banquet will be held April 29 at 6 p.m. in the elementary gym.

For more information, contact Derek Todd, development manager, at derek.todd@ heritagechristian.net.

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

21

THRIVE DONORS

We are blessed with generous support for the Thrive Campaign. The following friends of Heritage believe in the purpose and goals of the campaign. They have made an investment with exponential impact into the future. Their prayers and gifts have taken us into the campaign homestretch. Thank you for being part of the Heritage story through the Thrive Campaign!

Akindolapo Akinwande Mr. and Mrs. Gary Allen Doug and Elizabeth Allen Max and Margie Anders Anonymous Friends Pamela Armor Kimmerly Armstrong G. William and Linda Armstrong Larry and Elizabeth Arnold Nicholas and Nancy Arterburn Marilyn Augur Karen Baker Robert and Sandra Barnes Judith Barnes Rich and Stephanie Barrett Joseph and Cathy Bartemus William Batt William and Lori Baxter Margaret Beck Mary Beckwith Jason and Tina Bell James and Melody Benedict Mr. and Mrs. Marv Bittinger Jeffrey Boles Clarence Brannam John and Deborah Brehm Dave Hajek and Lorie Brinson Reynolds and Bonnie Brissenden Todd and Karen Brocker Vernon Brown Mr. and Mrs. Roger Brunkow Scott and Whitni Buckles Chris and Rebecca Bultinck Reagan Burress Kevin and Jennifer Burton Robert G. Butler Steven and Sharon Butz Phil and Kristen Byers Steve and Amy Byrne Kris and Staci Callaway Don and Beth Campbell Marianne Candler Dale and Beth Cardozo Miriam Carnahan David and Melissa Carney Bryan and Christina Carter William and Joyce Ann Casida Jim and Laurel Caskey Kenneth and Natalie Center Burke and Sara Chegar Scott and Jackie Clark

22

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

Scott and Vicki Coffey Mr. and Mrs. Bradley J. Cohron Walker and Shelley Conley Benjamin H. Conner Howard Connolly Steve and Mary Lou Cooper Paul Cornwell Steve and Carol Counsell Dale and Tami Crabtree Glenn and Julie Craft Brian and Cathy Crosley Monte and Cathlynn Curnutt Chad and Kim Davis Dan and Liz Dietrich Mr. and Mrs. John H. Ditslear Gregg and Laura Donaldson Mary Dowell Steven and Pamela Dryden Emmett and Karen Dulaney Ted and Catherine Eads Mark Eby Thomas and Katherine Eggleston William Ellingson Juanika Ellis Rob and Becky Englin Todd Erb Timothy and Pamela Estes Ron and Rebecca Estes Greg and Ann Estes David Fisher Raymond and Jill Fitzpatrick Kristin Fitzpatrick Jim and Stacia Floberg David and Jo Anne Flohr Gregg and Mary Ford Stephen and Rachael Ford Jeff and Kim Freeman Ministry of Life Charles and Karen Fuller Miles and Dina Furnish Duane and Carolyn Gaither Don and Beverly Gard Duane and Karen Geiger Rae George Jean Gierke Thomas Goossen Jerry and Carrol Gowan Harvey Guenther John Gullion Lindsey Hahn Andrea Halpern

Deborah Hardman Steve and Patty Harney Edward and Denise Hart W. Brad and Deborah L. Hastings Marjorie Hasty Dean and Lois Haupert Terry and Lezlie Heath Rich and Marci Herbert Jeffrey and Julie Hiatt Brian and Stacey Hicks David and Julie Hight Eric and Mary Margaret Hillenbrand Susan and Charlie Himes Michael and Abigail Hobson Layne and Sarah Hoekema Ronald and Beverly Hoekema Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Hoover Brian Houghton Janice Houghton David and Jaimie Howell Rick and Tracy Huff Brian and Julie Hufford Kevin and Kristen Hunt Charles and Sheryl Hutchins David and Janette Hutton Tom and Nancy Jacobson Harmina Jansen Tim and Katie Jensen Aaron and Laurie Johnson Scott and Whitney Johnson Michael Johnson Angela Jones Bruce and Tammy Jones Brandon Jones Reginald and Tracey Jones Judy Kay Darren and Karen Kay Jeff and Cynthia Kehler Roger and Teresa Keller Sandra Kibbey Robert and Angela King Cheryl Kirk Ryan and Katie Kivett Brian and Brenda Klingerman Aaron and Kara Klopfenstein Windle Knight Jim and Denise Kopplin Tom and Carole Krol Charles Kurtz Stephen and Crystal LaMotte Bruce and Carolyn Laughlin

TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION, VISIT HERITAGECHRISTIAN.NET/THRIVE

Don and Molly Lawton David and Linda LeBlanc William Lee Mike and Chris Lee Mario and Esther Lee Gary and Jacqueline Leitz Roger Lethander Stacey Lichtle John and Sara Logsdon Hubert Longest Jeff and Diann Luebker Lee Lurton Michael and Gloria Lynch Rob and Jenny Malmquist Jonathan and Jennifer Mangum Steven and Kelly Martin Steven and Tamara Masuccio William and Mary Ann Maxwell Brian and Barbara May Cliff and Nichole McCullough Joshua and Holly McDaniel Scott and Karen McDonald Brent and Christie McDonald Benny McFarland Sharilyn McIntyre Gerald and Betty McKeand Jenette McKnight Brian McLaughlin Scott McVicker Michael and Terri Meadows Caryol Meyer John and Kimberly Miley John Milholland Charles Miller Daniel and Melissa Miller Jon and Sara Molendorp Dayton and Trudy Molendorp Rex Moore Brent and Lesleigh Moore Stephen and Wendy Moore Debra Moreland Dorothy Morgan Charles and Roxanna Morgan Joe and Allison Morris Jason and Krista Mullinix David and Wendy Mumme Jean Mutz Daniel and Sarah Myers Mark and Kristel Novotny Steve and Suzanne Nutt Ezekiel and Elizabeth Okeniyi Joe and Gita Osborne Ronald and Beverly Page Vinod and Sue Pallekonda Scott and Rhonda Paris

Shannon Pauwels Mike and Keri Peduto Rubin Pelzer Donald E. Perkins Donald E. Perkins, III Mark Pershing Mark and Sarah Peterson Seth and Mona Pickering Jeff and Ruth Pinyot Peter and Cynthia Pizarro Sally Vander Ploeg John and Karen Pok David and Marylee Pound Kent Powers Charles and Karen Pritchett Robert Prostine Donald Quass Mary Lou Raffensperger F. J. Ranger Fred and Linda Rayburn Christopher and Lesley Reid Steve and Diane Rennick Steve Resch Gregg Butts and Jennifer Rhodes Gary and Laura Roebbelen Ryan and Susan Roney Knute and Pamela Rotto Jeffery and Elizabeth Roush Steven M. Sadowitz Vladimir and Sandra Sakun Christopher and Jodi Sarver Joel and Kathryn Sauer Stephen and Mary Sawada Mark and Karen Scales Steve and Shalonn Schaefer William and Carol Schneeberger Scott and Kristine Schneider William and Patricia Schneider Brian and Regina Schrock Russell and Sheila Seeman Mr. and Mrs. Obed D. Self Bonnie Shaffstall Harvey Shannon Patrick Shannon Ed and Sandy Simcox Roy Smith Caleb and Malisa Smith Gregory and Pam Smith Kent and Sheila Sprunger Glendon and Janet Starks Brian and Stacy Stater David and Teresa Sternasty Paul Stines Dr. and Mrs. William R. Storer Joe and Molly Straka

Eric and Wendy Su Chad and Allison Sukurs John and Vicki Swofford Jim and Judy Tank Andrew and Jane Taylor Chuck and Lorraine Taylor Starke and Elizabeth Taylor Steve and Lyn Taylor Christopher and Lois Teeter William and Vicki Terpstra Mark Terrell David and Kathleen Thomas R.E Thompson David and Geraldine Thomson Terry and Anne Tiernon David and Lisa Timms Nathan Tobey Derek and Jessica Todd Charles and Laura Tolan Sandra Toombs Michael and Dayle Trentadue Victor and Helen Trentadue Richard and Linda Treptow Glenn M. Brazel Trust Philip W. Barth Trust Dorothy L. Lee Family Trust Eric and Mindy Tryon Frank and Jane Turpin Dominic and Loreen Vaccar Steve and Charleen Valinet Curt and Lisa VanderMeer Jason and Lori Vasquez Leonard Vervaet Nelda Vicars David and Rita Virt Ted and Gayle Wahlin Doug and Gail Waltz Vaughn and Jill Wamsley Charles and Kathryn Warren Paul and Rebecca Warrick Joseph and Julie Wendel Janet Whan Antonetta Whol Bruce and Jane Wiley Jess and Tracy Williams Stephen and Cheree Williams Mary Sue Williams Karen Williams Kevin and Holli Wilson Robert and Gail Wolfe Stephanie Wood James and Lesa Rae Wood John and Linda Woodburn Steven and Susan Wyse Duane and Roberta Zenn

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

23

FINE ARTS

Photo Courtesy Melissa Lawler Photography

24

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

Photo courtesy of Studio13 Photo courtesy of Studio13

N

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

25

FINE ARTS

Heritage elementary art teacher, Hannah Benson (center).

26

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

Photo courtesy of Studio13

FINE ARTS

“You are responsible to think about what you believe and then present that to the world. God has made you unique and has given you talent. Your job is to explore it and figure out how you’re going to use it to glorify Him.” - Michelle Myers

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

27

FINE ARTS

The

Phantom Tollbooth

Show Dates 3/17 at 7 pm 3/18 at 7 pm & 2 pm Milo is bored in her bedroom until a magical tollbooth appears and transports her to the Kingdom of Wisdom.

Here she discovers the magic of words and numbers, travels to strange lands like Dictionopolis and Digitopolis, and meets a Mathemagician, Spelling Bee, and other curious friends. Will they be able to save Princess Rhyme and Princess Reason if they work together? Based on the beloved book, this whimsical fairy tale proves that imagination and knowledge can change the world!

More Information at heritagechristian.net

28

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

STUDENT PROFILE

I

t would be natural to think that intentionally transferring to Heritage from one of Indiana’s top-rated school districts during your junior year of high school might come with some understandable and inherent challenges. Not so, for one of Heritage’s newest students. Meet Frankie Young, a proud and recent addition to the Heritage class of 2018.

Photo courtesy of Studio13

When Frankie’s mother, Angie Young-Oliver, presented the option of private school to her academically-oriented son in 2016, he embraced the opportunity and joined his mom in the search for the best fit. “I made the decision to step out of my comfort zone by enrolling in a school that would allow me to grow in my faith, as well as prepare me to be a successful college student,” says Frankie. After researching and visiting a few possible schools in the Indianapolis area, the Youngs made plans to attend a Heritage all-school open house.

Their positive first experience made a big impression on both of them–in everything from the catered meal by Chik-Fil-A to the tour of the campus. But their one-on-one personal encounters with Heritage students, teachers, administrators and coaches touched them most. “Everyone was so accessible,” says Angie.

“They were super nice and so caring.”

They left campus that evening with a growing sense that Heritage might be the place where God was leading them. They decided to move forward. Embarking on the application process became another touchpoint with the school, as they connected with the admissions team. “They were very responsive and made it easy,” explains Angie. “They exemplified the qualities we were looking for.”

After fulfilling all of the requirements, Frankie was accepted for admission to Heritage for the fall of 2016. “I’m so glad I made this decision. It has been a smooth transition,” he says. “We’ve never looked back,” agrees Angie. “He hasn’t missed a beat.”

In fact, she says, her son is thriving in his new setting and his adjustments have been minimal. From the very first day of classes, Frankie says his fellow students welcomed him and invited him to join them in their activities during and after school. He’s developing friendships in the classrooms and hallways and also on the basketball court, as a member of the varsity team. The instant comaraderie, says Angie, has “made a world of difference” for her son.

Frankie Young (left) with his mother, Angie Young-Oliver (right).

Frankie says he immediately appreciated and enjoyed the smaller classes and his teachers’ accessibility; both of which were a big change from his previous experience at a much larger school.

“With every one of my teachers, you know they’re there to help you out,” shares Frankie. “They want to know about you and form a relationship. You’re not just by yourself here. You have the support of a group of teachers who are rooting for you.”

Angie, too, sees tremendous value in her son’s teachers, who she says impress her as “individuals who want to do God’s work and see kids flourish.”

If there has been any measure of adjustment, Frankie says it has been in the more rigorous academic environment he has found at Heritage. But he appreciates the challenge and is up for the task. “It’s definitely a harder school, but it helps you to get ready for college. I want to take the challenge to be the best I can be,” he says. Angie says his grades are better than ever and he’s had his best academic semester yet. But what excites her even more is the positive feedback from Frankie’s teachers about his level of involvement in class discussion and his engagement with the subject matter.

One of those subjects is Bible class, which is a new experience, academically and spiritually, for the former public school student. He is loving it. “It’s helping to build my understanding about the Bible and my faith that much more,” he says.

“Everything is getting answered. Learning more about what the

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

29

“I’ve been challenged spiritually, academically and socially at Heritage.”

- Frankie Young (pictured left)

Photo courtesy of Studio13

STUDENT PROFILE Bible says makes me really think about what I do, and about wanting to make right decisions.”

Frankie says he’s growing spiritually from his experience on the basketball team, as well. “Our coach pushes us to be the best we can be, both on and off the court,” he explains. Through the team’s weekly devotional time, he says he’s gaining a bigger perspective on his faith and life.

He’s also seizing opportunities to live out his faith on campus by serving as an after-school mentor for a fourth-grader. Each week, they get together to work on homework, play games and build their relationship. Frankie shares devotions with his young mentee and answers his questions about the Bible. “It’s something I love to do,” shares Frankie. “I know what it’s like to have somebody to look up to.” In whatever remaining spare time

he possesses beyond school activities, Frankie has also invested in his leadership skills by completing a program through the Center for Leadership Development program.

“I’ve been challenged spiritually, academically and socially at Heritage,” he concludes. “Based on my experience, I feel I will have many options when it is time to decide which college I should attend.” He has his sights set on a future career in marketing and business and will start investigating colleges in earnest next year. In the meantime, he’s making the very most of his Heritage experience. “He takes it seriously,” says Angie. “He realizes that we’re blessed to be able to make this investment in him and his future.” Of his decision to transfer to Heritage this year, Frankie says, “I’m confident that I made the right choice.”

Jog-A-Thon GET READY!

May 5th, 2017 Students and faculty jog around the HCS track in order to raise funds so PTF is able to host events and contribute to special projects. www.heritagechristian.net/jog

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

31

ATHLETICS

Photo courtesy of Studio13

SVSP athletic trainers Alicia Lysiuk (left) and Robyn Coffer (right) and Dr. Dan Ordaz (bottom right).

Photo courtesy of SVSP

B

ehind all 52 of Heritage Christian School’s athletic teams is another, often unseen and critically valuable team. Its sole purpose is to keep the Eagles’ 400 student athletes functioning at peak performance in the sports they love to play and compete in. The roster for the tightly-knit group includes two full-time athletic trainers, a full-time strength and conditioning coach, a part-time, onsite physician and an orthopedic surgeon. At any game where Eagles compete, at least one of the athletic support team staff can be found on the sidelines, providing medical expertise in many forms.

The deep bench of sports medicine talent is made possible through Heritage’s strategic partnership with St. Vincent Sports Performance (SVSP), by whom all of the staff are employed.

Heritage’s athletic director, Michelle York, says the partnership is a win-win and enables the school to provide top-notch, preventive and acute care for all of its athletes, including middle school players up through IHSAA high school competitors.

32

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

“We’re in sync with St. Vincent, in that we’re both faith-based organizations and committed to pursuing excellence in everything we do. We want to give our student athletes every possible opportunity to be successful. Our partnership with SVSP enhances our ability to do so.”

SVSP’s executive director, Ralph Reiff, says, “St. Vincent Sports Performance is honored to work with dozens of schools across the Indianapolis area, including Heritage Christian. We take great pride in providing top-notch athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches and on-site physicians for Heritage Christian. Helping young athletes achieve their potential is a key initiative for SVSP, and we hope by working with these athletes as they continue to develop that it will help them grow not only as athletes, but also as individuals.”

The support team is comprised of four highly trained and

ATHLETICS experienced professionals, each of whom plays a distinct role for the good of the Heritage student athletes and families they serve. Although they’re on SVSP’s payroll, their contributions fit seamlessly into the Heritage athletic program. Each one demonstrates dedication to and enthusiasm for the Heritage athletes and families they feel privileged to serve.

ATHLETIC TRAINERS TREAT MORE THAN INJURIES For athletic trainers, Alicia Lysiuk and Robyn Coffer (HCS 2006), their responsibilities and commitment extend far beyond merely sideline triage. “Their contributions are way more than just tape and Band-Aids,” York emphasizes. “They are a strategic part of us pursuing athletic excellence, in every respect, at Heritage.”

During their daily clinic hours on campus, Lysiuk and Coffer evaluate injuries from start to finish, treating minor injuries or referring the more serious ones to team physician, Dr. Dan Ordaz, or to orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Aaron Coats. “It’s all about getting athletes back to what they love to do. They have everything at their fingertips to achieve their goals,” says Lysiuk.

The athletic trainers also provide preventive care for both inseason and out-of-season student athletes, assisting them with everything from sports nutrition to injury rehabilitation exercises and everything in between. They assist coaches with dynamic team warmups and cooldowns and help educate parents about sports safety. Sometimes, Lysiuk and Coffer play the important role of listener and encourager for athletes who are discouraged by their injuries. The athletic trainers’ daily accessibility brings Heritage athletes and their parents the huge benefit of highcaliber, convenient care.

Lysiuk brings to Heritage a depth and breadth of professional athletic training experience that includes 12 years with SVSP and also several years with USA Gymnastics (USAG). She volunteered with USAG from 2004-2014. The organization invited her to join their staff as medical staff athletic trainer in 2015. The former level-nine gymnast traveled to Rio last summer, where she was honored to serve as one of the women’s USA Gymnastics team athletic trainers at the 31st Olympic games. Lysiuk says that while the stakes are higher for Olympic athletes, she sees parallels in the challenges and triumphs the Olympians experience and those of the teenaged athletes she treats at Heritage. At their core, many of them possess a fundamental drive and commitment to pursue their dreams, even when injuries or other challenges present obstacles. She respects that kind of grit and determination and honors it each season, awarding a Heritage student athlete with the “Tough as Nails

Award” she created largely from the inspiration she received from former Eagles basketball player and 2016 alumnus, Taylor Hall. “She got through her senior-year season, in spite of her significant injuries,” explains Lysiuk. “She never stopped trying to pursue her goal.”

Lysiuk also hands out a “Marshmallow Award” to the student who, for various reasons, spends a lot of time training during the season, in the gym. Her aptly-named “Handy Andy” award goes to the athlete who demonstrates a spirit of generosity and helpfulness. It’s named after 2015 alumnus, Andy Hunt, who consistently took the initiative to help her and his teammates in any way possible. “Andy is the epitome of what Heritage stands for. He was a tough athlete, but he was so selfless and recognized when someone needed help,” she says.

Lysiuk says she appreciates and even learns from her every day interactions with Heritage’s student athletes. “The kids teach me a lot about humility, gratitude and kindness,” she explains.

She says she’ll never forget the Post-it notes filled with written thank-you’s that students plastered on the walls of the campus clinic one day. She keeps them, and other encouraging notes she receives, in a bulging, designated folder. “You just can’t have a bad day when you have a thank-you folder,” she says.

Until this year, Lysiuk performed her duties solo. She was elated when Coffer, a Heritage alumna, softball player and 2006 Athlete of the Year, joined the staff as a co-trainer. Coffer would never have guessed that her professional career as an athletic trainer would lead her back to the school where she once studied and competed, herself. “It’s great to be back at home,” she says. “The Heritage families have been great and so welcoming.”

After graduation from HCS, Coffer played softball while she pursued her undergraduate degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. She earned her master’s degree in sports management and administration from Liberty University in 2011 and has served for the past five years as both athletic trainer and softball coach at Columbus North High School. When she interviewed for a new professional opportunity with SVSP, she never dreamed that the position was part of the organization’s partnership with Heritage. She was surprised and delighted to discover that her new job would land her back at her alma mater.

“The best part about athletic training is that you never know what’s going to walk in the door,” explains Coffer. “You get to help athletes progress step by step.” On any given day, Coffer might work with a student athlete who has suffered a concussion or fracture, provide first aid or acute care for an injury, or offer a safe place for an athlete who’s having a bad day. “We have an

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

33

ATHLETICS

Ordaz is no stranger to the role of team physician, having served in this capacity for Heritage over the past three years. Through his work with SVSP, he is team physician for USA Diving, as well. In his spare time, he’s a dedicated sports fan, avid runner and the medical director for the Geist Half-Marathon. Ordaz says he enjoys working with middle and high school students and appreciates opportunities to get to know the parents and coaches in the course of caring for the athletes.

“Dr. Ordaz does more than just show up at Heritage events,” says York. “He has a real desire for connection with our athletes and their families.”

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING Jordan Massey (right), strength and conditioning coach and p.e. teacher

open-door policy,” she says. “We want them to feel welcome and like they’re part of something.”

The reciprocal relationships she is forming with the Heritage students and families bring her great fulfillment. “I care about the kids and want the best for them,” she says. “I enjoy seeing them, being there for them and watching them grow. I look forward to seeing them every day and it’s great to know that they look forward to seeing me, too.”

CONVENIENT, QUALITY MEDICAL CARE Heritage athletes not only have the benefit of athletic trainers at their disposal; they also have ready access to SVSP sports medicine physician, Dr. Dan Ordaz. He works closely with and is available to Lysiuk and Coffer 24/7, in the event that an athlete needs medical care from a physician.

Like the athletic trainers, Ordaz is a regular on the sidelines of many Eagles games. He’s present at every Heritage football game and at many games for non-contact sports, as well. He visits athletes weekly at the on-campus clinic, providing medical care and supervision for concussion and any non-operative muscular/skeletal injury. For athletes who need to see him more frequently, he’s also available to them at his SVSP clinic. In cases where athletes need the expertise of an orthopedic surgeon, Ordaz refers them to Dr. Dan Coats, who rounds out the solid team of SVSP medical professionals that partner with Heritage.

34

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

Jordan Massey joined the athletic support staff this year, serving full time in his dual capacity, as the school’s first-ever strength and conditioning coach for all of its sports teams and also as one of its middle and high school physical education teachers. The recent Butler grad and former Bulldog linebacker says he’s loving his new assignment and the Heritage students he teaches and coaches.

He spends much of his time in the school’s weight rooms, where he coaches athletes and teaches students how to safely and effectively use weight resistance to build muscle strength. He also guides them in conditioning exercises that are designed to improve balance, body control and speed. Whether it’s an athlete recovering from an injury or training for their sports season; or a student who takes his class as an academic requirement, Massey’s overriding goal is the same. “I want to help them build a foundation for a healthy life,” he says.

But Massey sees huge opportunity for personal impact on his students and athletes, too. “I want to be someone they can turn to,” he says. “With the number of hours I get to spend with them, I have a big opportunity to help mold and shape their lives. It’s too much of an opportunity to not make an impact on the kids.”

Both of Massey’s parents are long-time teachers in Wayne Township, but he never thought he’d follow in their footsteps when he pursued his degree in human movement and health science from Butler. After a successful college internship with SVSP that gave him experience working with athletes in the NFL’s pre-draft program, off-season NFL players, USA Track and members of the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, Massey applied for a full-time position on the SVSP staff. His credentials made him

ATHLETICS a perfect fit for Heritage’s needs. He’s now an integral part of Heritage Athletics’ wholistic approach to health, wellness and student athletic performance.

GEARING UP FOR THE CIRCLE CITY CONFERENCE When Heritage begins competing in the prestigious Circle City Conference for the first time next fall, the athletic support team will be on hand to ensure that Eagles athletes have the very best preventive and acute care possible. York says the school’s strategic partnership with SVSP is “the right step at the right time” and enables Heritage to support student athletes with

L

ong-time Heritage varsity girls’ volleyball coach, Michelle York, is stepping down from her coaching role after 13 seasons at the Eagles helm. She will be greatly missed in the volleyball community, but will continue in her role as director of athletics at Heritage Christian School.

Guiding the Eagles to a 260-167 record in her 13 seasons as head coach, York twice earned ICGSA South Coach of the Year and was named NCSAA National Volleyball Coach of the Year. She has had 30 MCCGSA All-City, 27 ICGSA Academic AllState, 26 ICGSA All-State, 10 Senior Indiana AllStars, two Junior Indiana All-Stars, seven NCSAA All-Americans, and six HCS Athlete of the Year honorees. Her teams have been three-time recipients of the AVCA Academic All-American Team, six sectional championships and one regional title.

unprecedented convenience and resources. It’s an all-around win, with athletes, parents and coaches all reaping benefits.

“The bottom line is that we really care about our students who participate in Heritage athletic programs,” concludes York.

“We’re constantly looking for ways to help them reach their goals through the avenue of sports competition. We want them to know that we are behind them 100 percent.”

York started working at Heritage Christian as a volleyball coach in 2003 and came on staff full time in 2007, as the middle school shepherd and then, in 2008, in the athletic department.

York is reluctant to shine the spotlight on herself and her accomplishments, and would rather be measured by her impact on the lives of the young women and coaches who have crossed her path.

Volleyball has given her the opportunity to develop her athletes academically, socially, athletically and spiritually. Heritage is grateful for her valuable contributions to the girls’ volleyball program and her ongoing leadership in the athletics department.

York attended SkyView Academy in Memphis, Tenn., where she played softball, basketball and volleyball.

Upon graduation, she attended the University of Mississippi, where she played Division I volleyball and competed with USA Elite Volleyball and Athletes in Action. She has previously served as an assistant coach at University of Mississippi and as head coach at Christian Brothers University.

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

35

•

Congratulations to the Heritage boys’ and girls’ soccer teams, who both won 2016 regional championship titles!

•

Heritage has named two new coaches:

◦ Girls’ varsity lacrosse – Emily Goff

◦ Girls’ varsity volleyball – Whitney Sweet

36

•

Congratulations to three Heritage athletes who have all signed an early letter of intent to play college athletics:

◦ Hayden Wynja – baseball at Purdue University ◦ Jacob Snyder – track at Lipscomb University ◦ Jacob McKenzie – football at Ball State University ◦ Megan Williams – soccer at Taylor University ◦ Reyna Williams – soccer at Taylor University ◦ Drew Hilbert – baseball at Olivet Nazarene University ◦ Trey Burdine – football at Taylor University

•

Congratulations to Gracie Tiernon – 2017 City, Sectional and Regional Diving Champion!

•

Congratulations to our Girls Basketball Team on their 13th consecutive City Championship!

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

37

Save the Date for these upcoming Heritage events!

CLASS OF 2017 GRADUATION

May 26

HCS HOMECOMING

September 29

FLAVOR OF JAZZ

November 11 EAGLE GOLF CLASSIC

TBD For more information on these and other events visit www.heritagechristian.net

SUMMER CAMPS

Football Baseball Soccer Basketball

Also, look for Fine Arts and Robotics Camps. heritagechristian.net

38

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

Tennis Volleyball Baseball

HERITAGE

CHRISTIAN SCHOOL would like to to thank the following corporate sponsors for their generous support: The Scholarships for Education Choice state tax credit program is a unique giving opportunity that allows donors to take advantage of a generous 50% tax credit when they give to Heritage. The giving period begins July 1, 2017.

For more information visit www. heritagechristian.net/SGO

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL PARTNERS WITH CANYON CHRISTIAN AND INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITIES We're pleased to partner with Grand Canyon University (GCU) through the Canyon Christian Schools Consortium, and Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) with the Wildcat Consortium, to provide scholarships to HCS graduates, their parents and even faculty and staff.

RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS:

RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS:

(Years at HCS) x $5,000 = TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP

(Years at HCS) x $2,500 = TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP

NON-RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS:

NON-RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS:

(Years at HCS) x $2,500 = TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP

(Years at HCS) x $1,000 = TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP

The total amount of the scholarship will be divided equally between the four years of attendance. In addition, the scholarship amount will be based on the number of years the student attended HCS in grades 9-12.

For more information, including scholarship information for parents, please contact Heritage Guidance Director, Erik Smith, at erik.smith@heritagechristian.net

SPRING 2017 HERITAGE MESSENGER

39

M A G A Z I N E

Messenger 6401 E. 75th St. Indianapolis, IN 46250

Messenger

Educational Excellence From a Decidedly Christian Perspective.

Every parent knows the value of a great education. It’s a foundation for life, a requirement for higher learning and a bridge to future opportunities.

At Heritage, we know that by providing students with the best in education, we’re helping to shape the thinking of a future generation of leaders. So, it’s with a sense of responsibility, intentionality and purpose that we infuse every learning opportunity with a biblical perspective and a clear focus on Jesus Christ.

Our school exists for one purpose only: to glorify God through the discipleship of our students and the pursuit of excellence in their education, with the Bible as the foundation and Jesus Christ as our focus.

We’re accepting applications now for the 2017-2018 school year. Contact us at: admissions@ heritagechristian.net, call us at 317.849.3441 or plan now to attend one of our upcoming open house events. For more information, visit www.heritagechristian.net.