MCS Alumni Newsletter 2023

see inside

alumni + friends Newsletter Preschool Fourth Grade Mrs. Enochs

Mrs. Hughes

Pre-Kindergarten

Fifth Grade

Mrs. Jansons

Miss Olson

Sixth Grade Kindergarten Mrs. Guerra Miss Trudgeon

Mr. Brown Mrs. Moses

First Grade

Seventh Grade

Ms. Krause Miss Perez

Mrs. John-David

Second Grade

Mrs. Waltman

Eighth Grade

Mrs. Bailly Miss Stima

Administration Mrs. Obbink (Principal) Mrs. Sytsma (Support Svcs)

Third Grade Mrs. Coburn Mrs. Weeks

quick facts Students: 305 Teachers: 17 Office: 5 Para-edu: 3 Specialists: 2 Custodial: 1

Staff Experience: Avg. 13 Years Family Rentention: 94% Church Partners: 30+

season’s greetings!

Dear Knights Family, As we head into the Christmas Season, we want to take a moment to reflect on those who make the mission of Monroe Christian School a reality every day. Your prayers and support have been the cornerstone for all the good that is happening here - and there is so much good to celebrate!

The theme we chose for this year is Matthew 4:19, ‘Come follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ It is woven into our lesson plans, weekly chapels, and daily activities.

It shows how Jesus meets people where they are and speaks to them in a way that they can understand.

No matter your status, education, or understanding, Jesus is calling us to pick up and follow him. It is our job to cast out the gospel message to catch men’s hearts for Him. These pages show just a snapshot of the work God is doing in the hearts of our students. They walk into our school each morning knowing they are loved, safe, cared for, and prayed for. Our entire staff is invested in the futures of these children - whether they have 40 years of teaching experience or they wax the classroom floors at night. We hope you’ll feel the warmth and love that we have for our students, their families, and for each other.

Thank you for your continued support for our school, both in prayer and in deed. We are in awe when we think of how many lives have been touched

by Monroe Christian School over these past 67 years. Thank you for being a part of our past, and an integral part of our future!

In Christ, Monroe Christian School Teachers & Staff

new website coming soon In the new year, we will be rolling out an updated school website. The new site will include added features like online registration, and improved usability. Stay tuned for more info.

MONROE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER 2023

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We all need a hero I grew up on a healthy dose of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.

Preschool and Pre-K have had a very fun start to this school year. At the end of October, all of Preschool and both Pre-K classes hosted a Dad and Me Harvest Party.

It was a special event where our children have some quality bonding time with their Dads. The evening was themed around the book, ‘If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.’

We started off by reading the book, and all of our activities that followed were cookie themed. We snacked on a variety of cookies, and had a voting area to choose our favorite. Both Preschool and Pre-K classrooms had crafts and games for the children to complete with their dads.

preschool

They played cookie tic tac toe, took part in a cookie relay race, challenged each other to a cookie bean bag toss and a pumpkin ring toss.

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It was a wonderful night of fun for all. I love that at MCS I get to provide and be a part of families spending time together and making special memories.

I feel so fortunate to work at a place where I am free to teach children about God, share Bible stories and engage them in His word, and pray with them each day.

Mrs. Enochs ALUMNI NEWSLETTER 2023

We leaned in, a conspiratorial whisper, to talk about Mr. Rogers. Was make-believe land real? When he looked into the camera, could he see us through the television set? It all felt so real to my friend, Tom, and I. We felt seen and loved by Mr. Rogers. He was our hero and the show felt magical to us.

As I grew, I realized that my thinking was faulty. Reality took over sometime around second grade and I looked back at how I felt about Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood as silly and immature. Yet the feelings that watching the show gave me were exactly what Fred Rogers intended.

He taught me that my feelings are natural and I don’t need to be embarrassed by them. He taught me that I am special and loved. That, in turn, made room in my life for me to love others. I had been changed for good whether I realized it or not. Mr. Rogers has been described as a hero, who helped others to become their best selves.

And now my goal is to become more and more like my hero from my preschool days. I arrive early at school in comfortable shoes. I take off my jacket and put on my cardigan sweater. I greet each student at the door, telling them that they are special and loved. I try to listen with supernatural patience to the details of their young lives.

Throughout the day I remind my students that God loves them whether they are feeling good or bad. Because we are God’s children, we are special. We are enough. And God promises to fill us up so we can love others.

pre-kindergarten

if you give a dad a cookie

Mr. Rogers was a big influence on my young life. I had a flashbulb memory of my friend and I at 5 years of age sitting on the steps of the bleachers during a raucous high school basketball game, our blonde heads inclined toward each other, the knees of my hand sewn, polyester pants suit touching his.

Mrs. Jans ons MONROE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

A Rock a Day Many have heard the saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away.’

An expression we learned as children to encourage healthy eating, avoiding a much-dreaded visit to the local doctor’s office.

However, I wonder what it means when a kindergarten teacher receives a rock a day. Yes, a rock. As elementary teachers we are accustomed to receiving various nature gifts from our eager little ones such as dandelions, buttercups, leaves, leaves, and more leaves. However, I have never been on the receiving end of a rock. Not merely a pebble, but a palm size rock; one right after the other since the first day of school.

Faithfully every morning, one of my precious little girls brings me a rock upon arriving at school. Each morning, with outstretched hands, a joyful smile, eyes shining with anticipation, she offers me her small gift. And each morning I cheerfully receive her offering for what it is- a small gift of herself, of her trust, and her heart.

My growing collection of rocks is displayed proudly in our classroom and is a regular reminder of the precious hearts our Lord gave these little ones. I am forever thankful that we have the opportunity to get to know and to teach these children. A rock a day. A gift from the heart given and received each day.

Mrs. Guerra prayer requests Every morning, my class and I start our day with a morning meeting. We sit on the carpet and go over the calendar, weather, jobs and our schedule for the day. We end our meeting with prayer. I take prayer requests and write them down in our prayer journal.

These prayer requests could seem silly to some as we sometimes pray for hamsters, broken toys and special rocks. For me, it has become a daily reminder that we are supposed to present whatever is on our mind to God. Whatever worries we have or whatever the desires of our heart may be. At 5 and 6 years old, those worries and desires look a lot different than at 25 or 56 years old. Our prayers may change over the years, but our God never does. He still wants to hear all our prayers no matter how small we feel they may be.

I look forward to continuing to pray with my students every day and teaching these little ones to present their worries to God as He is and always will be our greatest comforter, source of peace and eternal hope.

Miss Trudegeon MONROE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

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remaining flexible

firstgrade

My first year at MCS was amazing. I learned so much about who I am as a teacher, and what things I might want to change going into my second year.

One of the things I knew I wanted to change was the seating style in my classroom. Rather than the traditional desk and chairs, I wanted to implement a flexible seating plan, which involves various seating options for students to choose from. I knew this would be a challenge, but I knew the benefits would be worth it.

Since implementing this flexible seating choice, productivity among the students has gone way up!

The students are so excited to pick their seat for the day. It’s also been a wonderful opportunity to teach them about making responsible choices, as they know that they must choose the seat where they will do their best work. They’ve learned that sometimes this might mean choosing a seat that is not next to their best friend.

I have watched them grow as we navigate this idea of flexible seating together. It has been an amazing way for our class to become closer as a class family.

Ms. Krause knit The kids don’t know it yet, but their Christmas present from me this year will be a hand knit beanie.

I like to loom knit to de-stress.

After donating the 40+ hats I had accumulated over the last year, I needed a new project.

So, I measured their heads. Yes, I got many “Miss Perez what are you doing?” questions.

Next, I asked them what their two favorite colors are, and I got started. I might have only one

finished and two only just started but I have never been more motivated to finish a project.

I have loved getting to pray over each little person who will wear these beanies. I can’t wait to see not only how they like their hats, but more importantly who these little people will become.

We get one short year together, and I am so thankful God has placed each individual student in my class.

Miss Perez 4

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MONROE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

s.t.a.r.s. in the clasroom Each year I challenge my class to be S.T.A.R. students, which stands for Students That Are Responsible. We discuss ways to be accountable for our behavior, and that demonstrating respect is a large part of being responsible.

As you can imagine, this is a process, and we all need to demonstrate a lot of patience as we navigate how we treat each other. One area I’ve already seen growth is in the way they are learning to acknowledge their emotions and how they treat others when they’re upset.

2nd

grade

We spend time discussing how God gave us our emotions, and that its okay to be sad, frustrated, even angry; but its not okay to hurt someone else’s feelings.

We are learning to show respect for others with our actions, especially when we are upset or frustrated.

I was moved last week when two students were sitting at my ‘Care Center’, which is a place I have set aside for them when they are experiencing big emotions. One student saw a tear in the eye of the other, and wrote a note which read, “I love you.” The student replied with a note of their own, writing “I love you to. do you want to play at reses?” This was followed by “thak you. of corse. what game?”

Both were at the Care Center for unrelated emotions, but they reached through their feelings to connect with one another.

They used their new skills to minister to each other’s hearts in such a pure, powerful way. I was touched when they proudly shared their notes with me. I congratulated them on their S.T.A.R. behavior, and we got to share in their success together.

Mrs. Baill y

grade is a time where students are attempting to them, even at this young age. It so many questions 2nd understand the world around them. I hear things like reminds me of 2 Timothy 4:12, “Miss Stima, is Messi better than Ronaldo?” “Why do we have to learn about Pilgrims?” “Do I have to write my name?” Multiply that by sixteen students every day, and you’ll end up with a brain cramp!

Lately the questions in my room have started to take a holy turn.

Students are asking big God questions, such as “When was God born?” “Why does Satan love evil?” and “How do we become Christians?”

They make me pause and realize how much insight God has given

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

I am grateful to be able to pause academics to make space for holy ground, allowing us to think Biblically about our world - even at recess!

Recently, I was able to bring in a local pastor, my dad, to help answer their questions, something impossible in most schools. This is another example of how the ‘eternal’ is prioritized above the ‘temporal’ here. I am so blessed to be a part of what God is doing in the hearts of the children who attend this school.

Miss Stim a MONROE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

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Pumpkin Patch: Knights Style!

This is my first-year teaching and I have been blessed to be teaching 3rd grade. This year has already been filled with so many activities!

So far we’ve had our APEX fun-run where students got doused with colored powder, and each Friday we go to Chapel as the ‘big kids’ of the Pre-K-3rd grade group.

This month our special event was enjoying a beautiful fall day at the pumpkin patch. Our group started the day with a hayride to the patch for picking a pumpkin to bring home. Then we headed back for hay mazes, playing in the corn pit, tube slides, duck races and a petting zoo.

The epic day ended with lunch together, as a large group of combined third grade classes. This allowed some much-needed time to interact and have fun together. We were surrounded by fall, friends and sunshine. It was a beautiful day, and the students had an amazing time making memories together.

Mrs. Weeks

Socks, Socks, and More Socks As our grade level team (3rd, 4th, and 5th), we try to come up with several service projects that our classes can do each year.

Last year we started ‘Socktober’ as our October service project. We decided that we should involve the whole school and make it a competition between the two wings of the school. Throughout the month of October families and staff would donate pairs of new socks in all sizes and styles.

When researching places to donate socks to, I heard about Take The Next Step: a local non-profit that helps families in need, the homeless, and children in our district. They put on community dinners, and partner with other organizations to give resources where needed. Last year, as a school, we were able to collect over 300 pairs of socks for those in need. This year, we tripled our lot and had well over 900!

As a school, it is great to be able to show our students how we can give back to those in our community by doing something as simple as donating socks. I hope to continue this yearly mission for many years to come so that we may bless those in need, in our community.

Mrs. Cobu rn 6

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER 2023

MONROE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

3rd Grade

4th + 5th grades kinder budddies

Anytime you give a MCS student the opportunity to work with another grade they are all in! This year, the 4th and 5th grade students are Kinder Buddies with Miss Trudgeon’s and Mrs. Guerra’s classes. They have so much fun together! They read, do projects and activities, and sometimes just play together! You might see a Kindergartner giving a high five to their buddy. Or watch as one of the fourth or fifth graders seek out their buddy at recess. Even a smile lights up their day!

4th and 5th Grade Thoughts: “I like Kinder buddies because they like a lot of the same things I like!”

“They are fun to play with!”

“They are funny and cute!”

“Yay, it’s Kinder buddy day!”

“I get to see my buddy and hug her and get to do an activity with her every Friday.”

“It’s fun to work with them, it’s fun to get to know their personalities, and fun hanging out with them.”

Fourth and fifth graders learn a lot in the process. They develop relationships, become responsible for “teaching and instructing” younger students, and become great role models. It’s a win/win!

Kindergarten Thoughts: “My 5th grade buddy is really nice to me!”

“My buddy is really nice!

I love drawing with her!”

“My 4th grade buddy is funny!

Mrs. Hughes Miss Olson MONROE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

As teachers we value the interaction of older and younger students. Getting to see the older students implement what they learn at MCS and passing it on is heartwarming. We look forward to the rest of the school year as we continue to watch our fourth and fifth graders step confidently into their leadership roles and facilitate connections that will hopefully last a lifetime!

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for the glory of god This year, our class motto in the 6th grade is, “Whatever you do, do it all for the Glory of God,” from I Corinthians.

As followers of Jesus, we believe that God calls us as whole individuals, encompassing every aspect of our being. Whether it’s playing soccer, writing an essay, helping someone out, or reading the Bible, we can glorify God in everything we do.

area of their lives. The ability to persevere when running soccer drills may lead to increased perseverance when facing difficult math problems, or difficult personal situations.

I love that here at MCS, our students are being taught how to love God with all their abilities, passions, and with their whole being.

Mrs. Moses

sixth grade

As a math teacher, I sometimes find myself becoming so focused on academics that I lose sight of the big picture, so I am very thankful for the coaches and parents who selflessly stand out in the cold and pouring rain so that our students can pursue their passion for sports. After a long day of teaching, as I am getting into my warm, dry car and going home, they are standing out in the cold just beginning to do all the things that coaches do to encourage growth in our students.

Our students are people with diverse giftings and abilities. The discipline and resilience they learn through sports can have such a positive impact on every

what a story to tell This is my first year at Monroe Christian School. However, I have been a public school teacher for the last four decades! I couldn’t wait to come here, and was secretly hoping to end my career at a Christian school - what an answer to prayer!

One of my goals is teaching students to create; to be confident in that ‘creative zone’. The students have been creating PowerPoint presentations on a variety of History topics, then presenting their slides to the class. I have seen so much growth in their confidence while delivering their presentations.

The next step has been teaching them how to create and edit videos, 8

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER 2023

which will elevate their ability to tell stories. I have used the example of The Chosen, illustrating just how influential that has been in reaching people all over the world through dynamic storytelling. I want to help each student become the best storyteller they can be.

Part of telling a good story is making it real for the audience; connecting with them on an emotional level. Here at MCS, we definitely have a story to tell - the greatest story of all! It is my deepest desire that my students experience the Gospel ‘in action’, and connect to it on a deeper level.

meal, as students served nearly sixty grateful guests. In terms of service, there is nothing quite like seeing an 11-year-old putting food on the plate of an older adult in need. This act of love is a tangible example of the mission of this school. I am so humbled and honored to be a part of what God is doing here!

Mr. Brown

Recently, a group of sixth graders helped host a monthly dinner at Take the Next Step, a family resource center in Monroe.

Parents helped to prepare the MONROE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

s g

seventh grade

the marshmallow tower In Middle School, we recently performed a science experiment that involved the combination of marshmallows, toothpicks, and Jello. Students were tasked with making marshmallow structures that could withstand an ‘Earthquake’ (simulated by the shaky foundation of a jello-filled cookie sheet).

They formed teams and began to brainstorm designs. I observed their many ups and downs, trials, errors, and ‘back to the drawing board’ moments. It was amazing to watch how these students were able to scratch their ideas, regroup and start all over again with a fresh plan.

However, one moment that really stood out to me came amid one team’s ‘failure’.

Their marshmallow tower completely collapsed when they were nearing the end of their given time to finish. Upon seeing their tower (and subsequent score) crumble before them, two of the students completely broke down into a puddle of tears.

When some of the students on other teams saw this unfold, they stopped what they were doing and came over to console their friends, even though they were losing precious time to finish their own tower. This selfless act of love really touched my heart.

As a new teacher to MCS, that is when it became clear to me that the children here have empathy because they have been taught to emulate Christ, both at home and in this school.

They immediately reacted with love, even though it might end up costing them something. They understand that you still stop what you’re doing to empathize and show the love of Christ to the people around you.

They were the proper example of 1 John 3:8, “Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but with actions and in truth.” And sure enough, I needed to take part in the same empathy and Christ-like behavior my students were displaying.

I ended up giving them an extension on their time to finish their marshmallow towers. Because, at the end of the day, this was supposed to be a fun experiment, and what joy would there be when everything went down in a puddle even before it started?

Mrs. John- David

MONROE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

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eighth grade

an overnight success

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At the start of the year, I took the eighth graders on an overnight retreat to Camp Gilead. Over the summer, I prayed for God to reveal His will for this year. What did He want to take root in these students’ hearts and minds? And with our middle school culture? To be grounded in your identity in Christ, step into leadership, and bond as a group.

God accomplished immeasurably more than I could have even imagined in just those two days of camp. I am truly amazed at how He works.

Middle schoolers sang out, joining in worship, regardless of what others thought. They learned to spend quiet time in God’s Word and journaling. They created a vision for our middle school culture and brainstormed how we could make that happen.

They endured challenges, played crazy games, acted out skits around a campfire, worshiped under the stars, played glow in the dark capture the flag, and had deep talks in the cabins. The conversations and memories that came out of this bonding experience will be forever remembered.

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After the first day at camp, I was so excited about all that God was doing. I wrote the staff to give them an update saying: “Best day ever at camp. I’m teary about how God is moving and how easy this all is. Wow, God is good. Thank you for praying for us!!!”

The following day, 6th and 7th graders joined us at camp. It was time for the 8th graders to put their leadership training into action!

As the other middle schoolers arrived, we stood outside waiting to welcome them, giving high fives, and cheering them on. The eighth graders began serving, teaching, and leading activities.

I stood back watching the smiles, the positive interactions, the patience, the humility, and the joy. The eighth graders truly stepped into leadership, establishing the culture of our middle school. What a blessed retreat we had, and what an amazing way to start the year off!

Mrs. Walt man

MONROE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

administration writing a new chapter Do you ever think about the way things used to be? This year that has been the story for me every day. Remembering the ‘used to be’s and starting new experiences has been both nostalgic and exciting!

For example, I used to have my own large classroom, but now I have a cozy office.

I used to teach 20 students at a time, but now I connect with them in small groups or one-on-one.

I used to spend my nights and weekends correcting papers. That hasn’t changed, but now the time is used for emails and scheduling.

I used to be observed by school administrators, but now now I am the one helping with observations.

I used to spend hours at the copy machine, lesson planning

and preparing for the day. Now I assist others and help evaluate curriculum.

I used to make sure my students had whatever they needed to be successful. Now I make sure our teachers have what they need to be successful.

My name is Leanne Sytsma and this year I have had the privilege of beginning a new chapter in my teaching career. After 34 years in the classroom, I have switched to the Administration side of our close-knit team. This new role is centered around Student & Staff Support Services.

It has been exciting to view the school day through this new lens.

Each day is an adventure with this new perspective, as I work to bridge the gap between our teachers and the Administration.

This can take many different forms - reviewing new lesson plans, providing a much-needed classroom break, communicating through a difficult student/family situation, or many times as a dropin therapist.

Although my time at school is different than it used to be, I learn something new every day. I am so blessed to continue to be a member of this wonderful community.

Mrs. Sytsm a

the story goes on Monroe Christian School is a Christ-centered community, engaging, equipping, and empowering God’s children for joyful service in His Kingdom. The words ‘joyful service’ are especially meaningful to me. Once we understand how we fit into God’s plan, that we are loved, redeemed, and called to serve it is comforting to reflect on “for such a time as this”.

What better way to live than to live with an eternal purpose. To look past the existing and prepare for the unseen. To talk about this mysterious kingdom that begins here on earth and extends on forever. This speaks to our purpose for right here and now. But we also live in a world that surrounds us and sometimes even swallows us up; a world that has been utterly ruined. But because the Creator is so unspeakably good, His goodness can be found everywhere. And where goodness is found it must be acknowledged and celebrated.

What does all this mean for Monroe Christian School? Our teachers, families, and students? It means that the story goes on. Just like the heroes of faith, we are called to step out with courage and determination. We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses cheering us on to follow in their footsteps. To hear God’s calling and follow Him. To write the next chapter that the generations following will build upon until the story comes to a glorious conclusion. Practically speaking, that means we gather, we study, we try, we fail, we try again. We think, we plan, we move forward expectantly. We pray, we ask for forgiveness. We hold firm to our faith and convictions. We serve one another in love.

Elaine Obbink, Head of School MONROE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Mrs. Obbink

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alumni + friends 1009 WEST MAIN ST. MONROE , WA 98272

We have so much good news to share.

We hope you enjoy these accounts showing how God is working here each day.

Together, we are growing the next generation of Kingdom Builders.

thank you!

God is at work, and great things are happening here.

We are so blessed by your steadfast support for the mission of Monroe Christian School. We are tremendously grateful for your prayers, words of encouragement, and financial gifts.

Save the Date Mark your calendars to join us for our annual Auction,

Saturday, April 27th, 2024.

More info coming soon!

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