2017-18 Gaston Christian School Annual Report

The M.O. Owens Jr. Worship and Fine Arts Center is scheduled to open November 2018.

20 1 7 | GASTON CHR I STI AN SC HO O L | 201 8

ANNUAL REPORT

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9 Contents 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

A Message from the Board From the Head of the School Academic Statistics Chapel and Worship Demographics and Summary Standardized Testing Honduras Mission Trips Class of 2018 Graduates Colleges Offering Admission

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ANNUAL REPORT

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 21 22

Early Childhood Education Elementary Education Middle School Education High School Education International Students Program From the Academic Dean Donors Fine Arts Year in Sports

2017-18 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Front row: Keith Gunter, Thomas Griffin, Barbara Vaher, Kelli Walker, Marc Stout.

Back row: Vernon Greene, Steve Cochran, Timothy Roberts, Reid McGraw.

Not pictured: David Nanney, Kelly Thornburg

O

n behalf of the Board of Trustees, we humbly thank you for your steadfast prayers, generous financial support, and continued confidence in training another generation in the truths of the Lord.

As we have shared the construction of the M.O. Owens Jr.

Worship & Fine Arts Center in the community, I have been fortunate to hear the story of the founding of Gaston Christian School and its development over the past 38 years. I

will enrich the GCS experience, we know many sacrifices have been made by families, staff, and supporters.

In addition to reviewing policies and monitoring compliance, the Board has spent considerable time listening whether we as a school are fulfilling our mission and meeting the Ends Statements (or desired results). The Ends Statements that we as a board continuously tie to each action of the school are: •

artistically according to their potential.

want to thank the generation of families that have come before us heeding the

• •

Students are spiritually mature, evidencing a Christian worldview as revealed in the Bible.

between campuses, camped out for Timothy Roberts Board Chairman

Students are prepared for acceptance to the college or university of their choosing.

Lord’s will in their lives. Families that persevered by shuttling children

Students excel spiritually, physically, academically and

registration when facilities and budgets

•

GCS families and staff exhibit Christian love, service and joy.

limited enrollment, and broke ground

•

Students and their families impact the world for the kingdom

on the new campus amidst turbulent

of God.

weather. What a wonderful legacy! They

We continue to pray that our decisions will move Gaston

were not assured it would be easy but held faithful to Psalm 78:4,

Christian School closer to these Ends and faithfully seek to expand

“We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next

the Kingdom here on earth. It is a gift and humbling experience to

generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power

serve alongside you at GCS.

and his mighty wonders.” As we watch the M.O. Owens Jr. Worship

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

& Fine Arts Center draw towards completion and believe its addition

Timothy Roberts ANNUAL REPORT

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DR. MARC STOUT

Gaston Christian School campus

F

From the Head of School irst, let me thank you so very much for your patience over the past year. As anyone who has been involved in a construction project can attest; “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Yes, it is very exciting to see the culmination of three and a half years of work. It has also been a rough road to our final goal. We had many revisions of the original location, we adjusted our strategy from a multipurpose rectangular building to an architecturally designed facility that will

Dr. Marc Stout Head of School

to over 65 students every week, and our fine arts at Gaston Christian School will flourish! Our gifted teachers will have classrooms, and working areas to better help them train our students in their craft.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Thank you to the many families who have made sacrificial gifts to this project. We could not have done this without your support.

And as important as the physical facility is to our campus, I am much more excited about the spiritual fruit that will grow as a result of the Owens Worship and Fine Arts Center being on the campus of Gaston Christian School. Our chapels will take a quantum leap forward as students will be

rival any fine arts space in this region.

in an auditorium specifically designed with worship in mind. Our music

Furthermore, our building grew from

programs will allow our teachers to reach new levels with the students. Shop

the initial footprint of 20,000 square

classes, costuming, art classes, band and chorus will finally have a place

feet to over 26,000 square feet. Careful attention was given to the

where their students can excel.

furnishings to give the “feel” of a worship and fine arts facility, not

Our theme verse this past year was taken from Philippians 4:13, “I can

a sterile educational space. Now, just a few weeks from completion,

do all things though Christ who strengthens me.” God has strengthened us,

the dream is becoming a reality. We have several organizations in the

as an organization, to do something profound by investing in the fine arts at

community lined up to use our new space. We will be teaching ballet

our school. May we always seek to honor Him in this good work.

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ANNUAL REPORT

CLASS OF 2018 BY THE NUMBERS

62

100

%

Graduates in Class of 2018

A

B

C

Going to College or Further Education

D

SAT / ACT Scores

1322 29 1235 / 26 /

37

%

Attended GCS K-12th Grade

7

AP Scholars

25th percentile

50th percentile

3.00 Million

$

in scholarship offerings for the Class of 2018

ANNUAL REPORT

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THEME OF WORSHIP Windy Gap

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:13

See You at The Pole

Elementary Field Day

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ANNUAL REPORT

High School Faculty at Windy Gap

2017-18 BY THE NUMBERS

STUDENT BODY PROFILE 98 48 14 74 59 51 56 74

474

Early Childhood/Preschool Full-Day Kindergarten Half-Day Kindergarten 1st Grade 2nd Grade 3rd Grade 4th Grade 5th Grade Total EC/EM

Middle School Enrollment

High School Enrollment 56 9th Grade 72 10th Grade 59 11th Grade 62 12th Grade Total HS

64

6th Grade

55

7th Grade

66

8th Grade

185

Total MS

908

Total GCS Enrollment for 2017-18

249

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

FAMILY DEMOGRAPHIC

Fiscal Year July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018

4%

ton

M

t.

H

2% Dallas

mer

7%

ie Clover/Lake Wyl

5

% Cra

Operating Revenue $6,927,358...........Tuition and Fees $

314,251...........Contributions/Fundraising $

49,039...........Miscellaneous $ 7,290,648..........Total Revenue

ol

ly

Charlotte

Operating Expenses $4,534,533...........Salaries and Benefits $1,404,746...........Operating Expenses $

498,082...........Program and Office Expenses $

260,390...........Interest Payments $

25,074...........Miscellaneous Expenses $ 6,722,825..........Total Expenses

567,823........ Operating Profit

$

Contributions/Fundraising $

159,909...........Annual Giving $

27,030...........Magazine Sale $

37,246...........Golf Tournament $

75,788...........Designated Gifts $

14,278...........Other

9%

Gastonia

46%

Other

11% Belmont

16%

Other includes: Alexis, Bessemer City, Cherryville, Huntersville, Kings Mountain, Lincolnton, Lowell, McAdenville, Shelby, Stanley and York

ANNUAL REPORT

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STANDARDIZED TESTING SUMMARY REPORT

School-wide Spelling Bee

Spelling Bee 1st & 2nd place

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ach spring in Grades K-11, Gaston Christian administers the Stanford Achievement Test, a multiple-choice, standardized battery of tests designed to measure achievement (what the student has learned). As a normreferenced instrument, it allows educators to compare their students’ progress in reading, language, mathematics, science, and social studies with that of similar groups nationwide.

This year’s Average Basic Battery percentile scores for the GRADE READING LANGUAGE MATH SPELLING BASIC BATTERY GRADE READING LANGUAGE MATH SPELLING BASIC BATTERY

K 96 NA 92 NA 92 6 81 81 84 77 80

1 83 84 85 87 83 7 85 84 82 82 82

Average Basic Battery Elementary Schools Average Basic Battery Middle School Average Basic Battery High School (9-11) Average Basic Battery Grades K-11 Average Reading Grades K-11 Average Language Grades 1-11 Average Math Grades K-11 Average Spelling 1-11

8 85 86 86 87 84

Elementary School, Middle School, and High School are strong, putting GCS students well into the top quartile of students across the nation; within some grade levels, percentile averages place GCS student performance within the top fifth of the nation’s students.

Score results for Gaston Christian School reflect the performance of all students for which the group report is given; there is no selectivity of data in scores representative of students at Gaston Christian School.

2 84 84 81 80 82 AVG 83.7 83.7 84.0 82.0 82.0

3 85 77 86 82 82 GRADE READING LANGUAGE MATH SPELLING BASIC BATTERY

4 82 89 82 82 82 9 82 79 80 81 80

5 82 86 79 86 82 10 74 70 70 78 73

AVG 85.3 84.0 84.2 83.4 83.8 11 80 81 82 80 80

AVG 78.7 76.7 77.3 79.7 77.7

2017-2018 83.8 82.0 77.7 81.8

2016-2017 85.2 82.3 78.0 82.7

Change -1.4 -0.3 -0.3 -0.9

83.3 81.9 82.4 82.0

83.7 82.5 83.4 82.9

-0.4 -0.6 -1.0 -0.9

* International and IEP student scores not included.

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ANNUAL REPORT

HONDURAS MISSION TRIPS

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tudents from Gaston Christian School participated in two mission trips to Honduras during the 2017-2018 school year. During the week of March 9-16, high school teacher Mark Moore and 4 high school students joined with others from Louder than Words Ministries on a backpacking mission trip through the mountains of western Honduras. These students hiked to 5 different Lenca villages, sharing the Gospel and distributing Operation Christmas Child boxes to the children.

During spring break 25 high school students and 3 parents spent a week with Mark Moore ministering in the small mountain village of Las Mesas. The group conducted a daily VBS program, led worship services each night, provided a free dental clinic each day and participated in home building/repairs. They distributed Crocs to the adults and children, a project organized by the International Club.

With funds from several high school groups, they were able to supply a local orphanage with over $1,000 worth of food. What a wonderful opportunity this week provided for the students and adults to share the Gospel of Christ among the Honduran people.

Photos courtesy of Mark Moore/Louder Than Words Ministries

ANNUAL REPORT

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CLASS OF 2018

CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2018 First row (from left): Hailey Turner, Maggie Lee, Mary Claire Long, Grace Erwin, Payton Taylor, Jordan Putnam (Salutatorian), Logan Thomas (Valedictorian), Kristin Rouse, Moriah Faulk, Kathryn Barnes Forbes, Laramie House, Xinchen Hou, HeYu Chen.

Second row: Sydney Carpenter, Madison Summey, Bridget Chew, MaKayla Lucas, Madison Moore, Mackenzie Hill, Hannah Olson, Payton Prince, Anna Robinson, Rachel McKenney, Lillian Barrett.

Third row: Madeline Trn, Moriah Whitlow, Kelsey Unger, Caroline Ramsey, Huiwen Liu, Ashlee Hamrick, Hailey Rednour, Casey McEown, Anastasia McArthur, Grace Evans, Wenjing Gu, Julianne Denham Fourth row: Jordan Farmer, Cody Lineberger, Will Plunkett, Ian Muana, Jesse Singletary, Garrett Wilson, Olivia Haven, George Paulino, Hunter Mingus, Parker Manley, Lily Chapman, Sydney Lay, Brittany Kernea Fifth row: Jacob Foster, Kevin Chitu, Brandon Brown, Caleb Thornburg, Micah Barber, Joshua Putnam, Ben Burgess, Jared Hedges, Joseph Nieminen, Jacob Poché, Tyler Melton, Jack Talton, Ryan Hines

Number of graduates: 62 Valedictorian: Logan Frazier Thomas Salutatorian: Jordan Rae Putnam Recipient of Opal Parks Award: Hailey Nicole Turner Recipient of M.O. Owens Award: Logan Frazier Thomas Recipient of the Servant’s Heart Award: Moriah Folino Faulk Scholarship offerings for the Class of 2018: $3,000,000

Photo courtesy of Mark Moore

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ANNUAL REPORT

SENIOR CLASS AT WINDY GAP

COLLEGES OFFERING ADMISSION Agnes Scott College • American University • Anderson University • Appalachian State University • Arizona State University • Armstrong Atlantic State University • Auburn University • Aveda Cosmetology • AZUSA Pacific College • Barton College • Belmont Abbey College • Belmont University of Nashville • Bluefield College • Boyce College at Southern Seminary • Brenau University • Brevard College • Brown University • Bryan College • Caldwell Community College • Campbell University • Cape Fear Community College • Carol Davila University-Romania • Carolinas College of Health Sciences • Catawba Valley College • Cedarville College • Central Piedmont Community College • Charleston Southern University • Clemson University • Cleveland Community College • Coastal Carolina University • Coker College • College at Southeastern • College of Charleston • Columbia International University • Covenant College • David Lipscomb University • Davidson College • DePaul University • Drexel University • Duke University • East Carolina University • East Tennessee State University • Eastern College • Elon University • Embry Riddle Aeronautical University • Emmanuel College • Emory University • Erskine College • Flagler College • Furman University • Gardner-Webb University • Gaston College • Harvard College • High Point University • Hillsong College in Australia • Houghton College • Jacksonville University • James Madison University • Johnson and Wales University • Korean University • Lancaster Bible College • LaSalle University • Lee University • Lenoir-Rhyne University • Liberty University • Lipscomb University • Maine Maritime Academy • Mars Hill College • Marshall University • Massachusetts Institute of Technology • McGill University-Canada • Meredith College • Messiah College • Michigan State University • Midway College • Milligan College • Mississippi College • MIT • Montreat College • New York State University • Newberry College • North Carolina A & T State University • North Carolina State University • North Greenville University • Ohio State University • Ohio Wesleyan • Old Dominion • Oral Roberts University • Palm Beach Atlantic • Peace College • Pennsylvania State University • Pfeiffer University • Philadelphia Biblical University • Polytechnic Institute • Purdue University • Queens University • Regent University • Rensselaer University • Rhodes College • Rollins College • Samford University • Savannah College of Art and Design • Singapore Institute of Management • Southern Wesleyan University • St. Andrews Presbyterian College • The American Hair Design Academy • The Citadel • Toccoa Falls College • Trevecca Nazarene University • UNC-Asheville • UNC-Chapel Hill • UNC-Charlotte • UNC-Greensboro • UNC-Pembroke • UNC-Wilmington • University of Alabama • University of California at Davis • University of California at Irvine • University of California at San Diego • University of Chicago • University of Georgia • University of Illinois • University of Louisville • University of Mississippi • University of Rochester • University of South Carolina • University of South Carolina at Beaufort • University of Tennessee • University of the Cumberlands • University of the South • University of Virginia • • University of Washington at Bothell • University of Washington at Seattle • Vanderbilt University • Virginia Military Institute • Virginia Tech • Wake Forest University • Washington and Lee University • Washington State University at Seattle • Western Carolina University • Wheaton College • William Woods University • Wingate University • Winthrop University • Wofford College • Yale University • York Saint Jones University-England • York Technical College • Young Harris College • YWAM’s University of the Nations at Monroe

ANNUAL REPORT

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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Class of 2018 and Class of 2030

To Everything There is a Season

W

e all know that every season in life is filled with good things and not-so-good things, and a school year is just the same!

As the 2017-2018 year got underway, we were unfortunately faced with a flooded Early Childhood hallway in midSeptember! The teachers of the affected classrooms worked together to share unaffected spaces; the maintenance crew did all they could to clear out ruined items and begin the cleaning process, and Dr. Stout directed and helped in any way he could. While Susan Jennings it was not an enjoyable Principal process, we made it through and are grateful that it is behind us, not ahead of us.

The addition of the brightly colored, large canvas umbrellas for the playground made everyone happy, and they still do today. They provide much-needed shade for the children as they play outside, and the bright colors duplicate those of the playground structures. We love them!

As we have all watched the progress of the new fine arts building, we are so excited to think about all the programs, concerts, plays, and functions that will happen there in the near future. At the same time, we 12

ANNUAL REPORT

Early Childhood Secretary Debbie Barnhill

experienced the last Christmas programs, Grandparents’ Day programs, and Kindergarten graduation in the gym---hooray! That gym has served us well, but we are so excited to look forward to presentations in a building made for that very thing. I know all the athletic teams and coaches will be thrilled to get to use the gym for its original purpose—sports and PE classes!

How thankful we are for the faithful leadership of Gaston Christian School, as Dr. Stout and the Board direct us every step of the way, with God’s ultimate direction and wisdom. May we all be found faithful in this most important calling to “help students mature spiritually and excel academically.”

Early Childhood Staff Charlotte Adams Amanda Chapman Angel Freeman Jackie Hardin Teresa Hoyle Geny Melton Alicia Mullis Sandra Parnelle Kim Patterson Maureen Patton Vicki Peach Crystal Shields Annette Simmons Kelly Thompson Emily Trakas Teresa Winter School Nurses Sharon Spear Abby Leonard Terra Maitra

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Gordon’s annual Bake Sale students from high school to elementary.

Gordon’s Bake Sale Recognized Elementary Secretary Teri Stacy Elementary Staff Glenda Bailey Kathy Byarlay Karen Chew Melinda Cleveland Tammy Gordon Lisa Grubbs Johnathan Gunter Amy Hawxwell Rebecca Hinson Susie Howard Teresa Hoyle Benita Huffstetler Joan Jones Lindsey Kelly Buffy Kirkman Donna Lyman Geny Melton Lyndsey Miller Sarah Parker Sandra Parnelle Jayda Renfroe Trina Robinson Paul Struwe Avlon Taylor Pam Thornburg Jennifer Whitlow Katie Williams Academic Dean Shirley Huelsman School Nurses Sharon Spear Abby Leonard Terra Maitra

T

he 2017-2018 school year brought many great and wonderful things for the Elementary program. Our school theme this year revolved around Philippians 4:13.

In Chapel, we looked at figures from history such as King David, Corrie Ten Boom, and Hudson Taylor who are examples of doing hard things through the strength that only Christ can give.

Academics

The Kindergarten and First Grade teams finalized benchmarks for rising First graders this past school year.

Our hope is that this will continue to help us improve our teaching and ensure learning for our students.

Corrine Wysong, Nathan Eastburn, Tristy Williams, Catherine Key, Taylor Roberts, Ava Sullivan, and Alexis Gantt all represented the Elementary program in the 2018 GCS Spelling Bee in February.

Enrichment

High School student Kristina Vaher began an Elementary book club for our 1st-2nd graders in September. We are always excited to have our high school students connect with the younger students.

Our GCS Girls on the Run had a strong season.

In addition to the Girls on the Run 5K, they also took part in a 5K Color Run on our GCS Campus. The High School Cross-country team volunteered to help and we are grateful to Coach Moore and his team for their support.

Our First Lego League Robotics team traveled to Greensboro on September 2 for a statewide workshop

to interact with other teams and learn strategies for programming. They represented GCS well at their competition in December.

Student Service

Our students took part in the Gaston County Weekend Food Backpack program.

Several classes alternated each week packing food bags for students in need in Gaston County.

The Elementary program also took part in Operation Christmas Child shoebox drive with our High School Beta Club.

The Elementary school contributed to the Adam Mehaffey November Coat Drive Principal sponsored by the High School Student Government Association. These coats went to help the homeless of Gaston County.

The Elementary students collected 800 items for the Souper Bowl of Caring Food Drive for Second Harvest Food Bank sponsored by the Middle School.

Mrs. Tammy Gordon’s students (pictured above) were recently recognized nationally by Children’s World Hunger Fund for the work her students have done in raising money for the organization for many years. This year her class raised over $1,000 through their annual Bake Sale for Children’s World Hunger Fund.

ANNUAL REPORT

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MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATION

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Faith on their Feet

his year our middle school students experienced health challenges, personal family losses, and exposure to national crises and met each of these events with love, compassion, and prayers. Students demonstrated positive actions by putting “faith on their feet” as they ministered to people through these life circumstances and saw the Lord providing strength to persevere during difficult times. We were blessed to see the faith of our students grow as they served others.

Student Servant Highlights

The Junior Beta Club provided leadership for Operation Christmas Child with the collection of shoeboxes in November. Students encouraged the residents of Meadow Wood Nursing home by creating cards and candy gifts.

Under the direction of Miss Freeman, Middle School Guidance Counselor, GCS contributed 3,289 pounds of food items (2,741 meals) through the Souper Bowl of Caring to be used in local communities.

Our Student Government served our school community through helping with morning announcements, school cleaning Virgina Conover projects, the Christmas Door contest, and Principal paper recycling. They also led students in providing contributions of $1,138.03 for flood victims in Texas and Louisiana through “Hats 4 Hurricanes.”

Middle school students also sponsored a bake sale, raising $700.00, as a contribution to Max’s Kitchen, in memory of Mrs. Jones’s son, Max. Spiritual Emphasis Day

On September 29, 2017, middle school students gathered in the gym for an afternoon of praise and worship. Our speaker was Rev. Jason Marlowe who challenged students to stand firm and rely on the Lord no matter what their circumstances.

Academic Highlights

Duke Talent Identification Program (TIP): Thirty-six seventh 14

ANNUAL REPORT

grade students qualified for TIP recognition in the fall of 2017. Zachary Cochran, Connor Joyce, Madeline McKinley, and Savion Taylor received State Recognition. Zachary Cochran qualified for the Academy of Summer Studies. Savion Taylor qualified for the Center for Summer Studies.

The Junior Beta Club inducted thirty-nine seventh and eighth grade students qualifying for this honor during chapel on March 14, 2018.

National Geographic Bee: After many rounds of competition, Connor Joyce was selected as the winner of the middle school Geography Bee. Over thirty-five middle school students participated in the competition. Connor qualified to represent GCS in the National Geographic Bee State Qualifying Round in April.

Science Fair: All middle school students participated in the Science Fair this year by submitting class projects. Projects from each grade level were then chosen to compete in the final round held in the gym on March 21, 2018. Ribbons and medals were awarded to the following students: Sixth Grade – Katie Walker 1st Place, Carson Hill 2nd Place, Gordon Dubisky 3rd Place; Seventh Grade – Kendall Martin 1st Place, Olivia Reed 2nd Place, Sophie Townsend 3rd Place; Eighth Grade – Adam Hoyle 1st Place, Dakota Hawxwell and Jack Hyland 2nd Place, Ben Tugwell 3rd Place.

The Einstein Project: Our annual Einstein Contest provided another opportunity for eighth grade students to test their knowledge of all middle school science content. Using a “Jeopardy” format, Gillian Allen, Jayden Branch, Connor Nanney, and Jonathan Purtell competed in the gym before the middle school student body. Jayden Branch earned the Einstein Award, a lab coat signed by eighth grade students.

Technology, Fine Arts and Curriculum.

Eighth grade students continued to use individual Chromebooks this year. Five portable Chromebook classroom labs were available for sixth and seventh grade students. Several middle school students were honored to be in the cast of Charlotte’s Web in the fall. New Personal Finance classes were offered for all middle school students.

Wacky Wednesday Programs

Students participated in “Zinger studies” chosen to engage students in discussions exploring making good choices, standing up for what you know is right, and handling adversity.

HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION

Students checking out the total lunar eclipse

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Reminded of His Faithfulness

hroughout the year staff and students have focused on Philippians 4:13 as the 2017-2018 theme verse, a verse that challenged us to look to Christ as our source of strength and as our provider; we were daily reminded of His faithfulness and His goodness to us.

Spiritual Focus

Spiritual growth and worship are a vital part of the school’s purpose as we prepare our students to “impact the kingdom of God by living productive Christian lives”; weekly chapel services focused on the theme “Living for the Glory of God” and included student-led praise and worship; weekly small group Bible studies were also available. The annual Windy Gap Retreat in September and the Spiritual Emphasis Day in March were spiritual highlights of the year. In addition, the SGA sponsored a “Night of Worship: Peace in Him” in March. GCHS participated in two mission trips to Honduras: 4 students participated in a backpacking trip into the Honduran mountains in March; a group of 25 students and 3 adults spent spring break serving the Lenca people in Honduras; both trips were led by faculty member Mark Moore. Students, staff , and a local church donated $1000.00 to provide food for the Faith, Hope, and Love Orphanage in Honduras. Seven students participated in the Summit Ministries Summer Conference in Manitou Springs, CO in June.

Academic Focus

New curricular adoptions were implemented for Honors Spanish III, Anatomy and Physiology, and Environmental Science. The high school offered 7 Advanced Placement classes this year and more than 20 honors courses across the disciplines. In addition, a partnership with SevenStar Academy and participation in the N.C. Career and College Promise Program allowed Gaston Christian to offer courses beyond the traditional classroom; 34 students were enrolled in these online programs. Two rising seniors were selected to attend Governor’s School. The School Counselor organized Information Nights for each grade level and also a Christian College Fair. The National Beta Club inducted 47 new members, and 30 juniors and seniors were inducted into the National Honor Society.

Technology Focus

With the one-to-one initiative of Chromebooks for all high school

students, integration of technology into classroom instruction continued to enhance learning; e-texts were in use for the following courses: Government/Economics, World History, US History, AP US History, Psychology, AP Biology, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Environmental Science, Spanish I, Spanish II, and Honors Spanish III. In addition, new technology course offerings included Video Production and Theater/Film Production.

Fine Arts Focus

The Concert Choir, Honors Ensemble, and Band performed at Fine Arts Evenings in December and May; the Visual Arts classes also showcased their work at these programs. The Gaston Christian Players produced Charlotte’s Web in October, The Park Bench (student-written and directed plays) in February, and The Heiress in April.

Service Opportunities

The high school students/staff were serving within the community; included participation in the Crisis Pregnancy Center’s Walk for Life and Baby Bundles Nancy McDaniel project, Operation Christmas Child Principal Shoebox project, a winter clothing drive, nursing home ministry, a food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank, a “Croc” drive for the Honduran spring break mission trip, participation in the Rotary Community Garden and campus fundraising activities for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Mock Trial Program

Both teams advanced to the N.C. State Competition in Raleigh in March after winning regional competitions in Gastonia and Asheville.

Quiz Bowl

The Gaston Christian Quiz Bowl team placed 4th in the Gaston County Quiz Bowl.

ANNUAL REPORT

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAM

你好! — Greetings from China!

G

aston Christian School was host to 18 International students from China in 2017-18. We had one eighth grader, one 9th grader, six 10th graders, six 11th graders, and 4 seniors. Along with these 18 students, we had 17 host families. GCS is home to the only set of siblings affiliated with New Oasis International Education, an agency that we use to help us find students from China. We are most thankful for our host families, who include their student in their daily lives, extended family, and family of faith.

They plant seeds of faith that, hopefully, one day will take root in the hearts of our students. We are excited that one of our students made a profession of faith this year and another student followed up with believer’s baptism.

2017-18 brought unique opportunities for the international students. Over fall break they went to a Dude Ranch in Karen Brooks Madison, GA. This was quite an experience Coordinator for for many of these students because they International Students were taught how to ride a horse and were and Online Education able to ride on some beautiful trails. They also visited the Univ. of Georgia on their college visit. In March, Shawn — one of our international students went with Mr. Moore, our mission’s coordinator and Director of Louder Than Words Ministry, on a backpacking trip to Honduras. Also, over spring break, three students (Harry, Steven, and Alex) went to Honduras with the GCS mission team to minister to the Lenca Indians.

Mrs. Brooks and Ms. Whitley (Biology teacher) took 14 of our International students on a cruise to Cozumel, Mexico over spring break.

Most of their summers are spent in a classroom in China, continuing to 16

ANNUAL REPORT

study English and prepare for SAT and the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) for college.

Our international students received several academic honors due to their diligence in study. Two students, Heyu “Betty” Chen and Xinchen “Dora” Hou, were named AP Honor Scholars for making a score of 5 on all of their AP exams.

Kaiming “Allen” Huang (10th grade) was selected to attend a summer session open to high school students at Yale University. Allen had the opportunity to participate in the Applied Science & Engineering session of the Yale Young Global Scholars Program.

Eleventh grader, Haowen (Harry) Jiang, attended Wake Forest University’s Summer Residential Immersion Program for Psychology. The students studied the structure of the brain through hands-on dissection and learned about how illusions, emotions, and biases affect how we see and interact with the world. He participated in institute-sponsored field trips and activities, as well as worked alongside experienced faculty.

In an attempt for cultural exchange, woodblock print artist, Han Lu and shadow puppetry artist, Cindy Cui shared two special art forms with the high school art classes. New Oasis International Education invited Karen Brooks, International Student Coordinator and one American student, Quint Crowder, to represent the school in China, January 3-16, 2018. During the two-week trip, Mrs. Brooks and Quint traveled with representatives from one other school to help prospective international students better understand student life at Gaston Christian School and the American education system.

The International Club has evolved out of the International Student Program. The Club sponsored a high school-wide “Croc Drop” during the week of March 12-16, collecting crocs of all sizes to be sent to Honduras. 204 pairs of crocs were sent with the high school mission team as they travelled to Honduras with Louder Than Words Ministries over spring break, April 7-14.

FROM THE ACADEMIC DEAN

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2017-18 in Academic Review

he Lord has graciously blessed Gaston Christian during this school year with several advancements: Seven new faculty members attended the New Teacher Orientation Day on Friday, August 11, 2017. This all-day seminar provides new faculty with an understanding of the GCS mission and our teaching-learning expectations related to such crucial areas as mastery learning, critical thinking skills, biblical integration, assessments, teacherstudent relationships, and assertive discipline. During the year, monthly seminars expand these and other topics to strengthen teacher expertise and collaboration.

GCS purchased the site license for ASCD: PD In Focus, a platform that allows teachers to access professional development 24/7. Teachers can explore a broad range of education topics and teacher skills that impact student growth and achievement. Hundreds of hours of video, many articles, and applications of best practices are now available to support our teachers.

Accreditation Facilitators Fred Chase, Karen Brooks, and the Academic Dean traveled to Greensboro, NC, on September 25 to attend the NC AdvancED Conference that unveiled the new accreditation process and framework for continued improvement. Peter Dewitt provided the keynote on the extensive educational research data that led to the new process.

Following a luncheon with guest speaker Lisa Godwin—NC Teacher of the Year 2017— our group spent the entire afternoon with Dr. Donna James, Director of AdvancED North Carolina, in sessions focusing on school quality factors and performance standards.

The spring 2018 Stanford Achievement Test scores continued to remain strong, occupying the uppermost quartile with a majority of percentiles ranging from 81-86. Annually, the Academic Dean holds meetings by grade level with Early Childhood/Elementary School teachers and by disciplines with Middle School/ High School teachers to review the SAT results. A digital three-year history of student performance scores offers teachers comparative performance data that suggest possible trends

in student achievement as well as strategies and interventions to address weaker student skills.

Textbook reviews included Middle School science and High School chemistry, Honors Physics, AP Chemistry, and AP Calculus. The Dean prepared academic profiles for all eighth-grade students entering the high school program in the fall; profiles include a three-year history of each student’s SAT scores, Student Ability Index scores, subject-area grades, grade-point averages, and attendance records to assist students with high school course selections.

Nine new resources for faculty were added to the Professional Development Library.

Professional development activities for 2017-2018 included the following highlights: August 7-8: Teaching & Learning Conference sponsored by the Gaston County Public Schools – 32 GCS teachers attended 154 research-based professional Dr. Shirley Huelsman development sessions for a total of 232 Academic Dean hours of credits related to current topics in education.

Opening In-Service Day, August 14: ASCD Regional Partner Manager Stacy Costello introduced teachers to the PD In Focus platform, demonstrating how this resource site can address specific areas of best practices for individual teachers or groups of teachers to shape and monitor specific goals related to stronger student-skills acquisition and enhanced classroom experience.

January 2 In-Service Day: The Dean presented an overview of the new accreditation process that is designed to allow schools to customize the process to suit their unique needs and goals with autonomy as the overarching principle.

ANNUAL REPORT

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2017-18 ANNUAL FUND DONORS Mr. and Mrs. Scott Anderson Mr. and Mrs. James Armstrong Ms. Kelly Baker Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Barton Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Beasley Mr. and Mrs. Robert Blake Mr. Wilson Bradley III Mr. and Mrs. Doby Chapman Mr. and Mrs. Bob Clay Mr. and Mrs. Mike Conder Mr. Kenneth Connell Mr. and Mrs. Jim Cox Mr. and Mrs. Mark Davis Duke Energy Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Dan Dunkin Mr. and Mrs. Joel Faggart Mr. and Mrs. Paul Farris G & L Building Services, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Goforth Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Greene Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hines Mr. and Mrs. Donald Hinson Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Hovis Dr. and Mrs. Doug Huitt

J.E. and Mildred Waggoner Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. David Jennings Mr. Mitchell Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Mike Jordan Mr. and Mrs. James Kelly Mr. and Mrs. Zac Kennedy Drs. Laurence and Inga Kish Mr. and Mrs. Danny Lawrence Dr. and Mrs. David Layne Mr. and Mrs. Doyt Ledford Mr. and Mrs. Woods Martin Mr. and Mrs. Charles McGinnis Mr. and Mrs. David McSwain Mr. and Mrs. Mark Mingo Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Morris Mr. and Mrs. Tim Nicholson Mr. and Mrs. Charles Parker Mr. and Mrs. Ken Parks Mr. and Mrs. Rich Pasqualone Mr. and Mrs. Rick Patterson Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Peoples Mr. and Mrs. Ritch Protawewich Putnam Drug, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Ramsey

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Roach Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Roberts Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Robinson Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Rollins Mr. Daniel Rooney and Dr. Allison Evanoff Mr. and Mrs. Bernat Rosner Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Rosner Rudisill Enterprises, Inc Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Simpson Rev. and Mrs. Rick Slate Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Spear Mr. and Mrs. Everett Still Mr. and Mrs. Larry Swabby Mr. and Mrs. Craig Thornburg Mr. and Mrs. William Thrower, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John Thrower Mr. and Mrs. Watson Tomlinson Dr. and Dr. Harald Vaher Mrs. Debbie Van Scyoc Mr. and Mrs. Trent Walker Mr. and Mrs. Earl Watson Dr. and Mrs. Robert Zickler

2018 COMMUNITY FOUNDATION RUN DONORS Anonymous Mr. Randy Boyd Community Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Forbes Mr. and Mrs. Ronald France Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Grahl Mr. and Mrs. Rick Hodges

Mr. and Mrs. William Kelly Mr. and Mrs. J. Reid McGraw Mr. and Mrs. Plato Pearson Ms. Katherine S Ratchford Mr. Daniel Rooney and Dr. Allison Evanoff Mr. and Mrs. Gene Sanders Mr. S. P. StoweIII

2017-18 NIGHT LOCK DOOR STOP DONORS Ms. Kelly Baker Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bonisa

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Helms

Mr. and Mrs. Terry Brooks Mr. and Mrs. Michael Davis

Ms. Danielle H. Hebdon

Ms. Laurie Dickerson Mr. and Mrs. Allen Durst

Mr. and Mrs. Zac Kennedy

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gates Mr. Knox Gibson Mr. and Mrs. David Gilreath Mr. and Mrs. Erick Hanson 18

ANNUAL REPORT

Mr. and Mrs. Bryant Hill Mr. and Mrs. Chad Jones Mr. and Mrs. Russell Maynor Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Morel Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Patterson Mr. and Mrs. James Price

2017-18 FINE ARTS BUILDING DONORS

2017 Magazine Sale Mrs. Linda Ackerson Mr. and Mrs. Erwin Alexander Mr. and Mrs. Scott Anderson Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. James Armstrong Mr. Jeffrey Baker Ms. Kelly Baker Bank of America Matching Gifts Program Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Barton Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Beasley Mr. and Mrs. Ty Berry Mr. and Mrs. Robert Blake Ms. Sandra Bolick Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Brooks Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Brown Mr. and Mrs. Don Brown Mr. and Mrs. Keith Burgess Mr. and Mrs. Rhoneil Caballes Mr. and Mrs. Fred Caldwell Mr. and Mrs. Doby Chapman Mr. and Mrs. Bo Chriscoe Mr. and Mrs. Dan Clemmer Dr. Stephen Cochran, Jr. Mrs. Virginia Conover Mr. and Mrs. Jim Cope Mr. Don Doctor Duke Energy Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Dan Dunkin Mr. and Mrs. Donald Ellis Mr. Richard Forde Mr. and Mrs. J. Scott Foxx Mr. Knox Gibson Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Grahl Mr. and Mrs. Keith Gunter Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hager Mr. and Mrs. Ted Hall Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Hancock

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Henry Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Hicks Mr. and Mrs. Rick Hodges Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Hoersch Mr. and Mrs. Tanner Holland Ms. Susie Howard Mr. and Dr. Glenn Huelsman Mr. and Mrs. Larry Hunsucker Mr. and Mrs. Lee Isley Mr. and Mrs. Fred Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Ted Joy Mr. and Mrs. Zac Kennedy Mr. and Mrs. Robert King Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Lancaster Mr. and Mrs. Mitch Lancaster Mr. and Mrs. Haze Lancaster Ms. Courtney Lancaster Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Lanier Dr. and Mrs. David Layne Dr. and Mrs. Edward Lineberger Loyal Systems, Inc. LPL Financial Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mattera Mr. and Mrs. Tony McCraw Mr. and Mrs. Sam McDaniel Mr. and Mrs. Charles McGinnis Mr. and Mrs. Ray McKenney Mr. and Mrs. David McSwain Mr. and Mrs. James Miller, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Monza Mr. and Mrs. Larry Morris Mr. and Mrs. Clint Myers Mr. and Mrs. David Nanney Mr. Robert Nash Mrs. Virginia Neustadt Mr. and Mrs. Chris Orr Rev. and Mrs. Roger Overton Dr. M. O. Owens, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Ray Painter Mr. and Mrs. Charles Parker Mr. and Mrs. Rick Patterson Mrs. Faye Porter Mrs. Norma B Price Mr. and Mrs. Bryce Pursley Mr. and Mrs. James Ramsey Mr. and Mrs. Bill Reinhardt Revels Contracting Services, Inc Mr. and Mrs. Hall Rhyne Mr. and Mrs. Randy Riley Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rouse Mr. and Mrs. Eldon Russ Ms. Bethsy San Millan Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Scarborough Mr. and Mrs. Peter Setzer Mr. and Mrs. David Smith, III Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Smith Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Spargo Dr. and Mrs. Marc Stout Mr. and Mrs. Charles Tenold The Howe Foundation Inc Mr. and Mrs. Richard Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Craig Thornburg Mr. and Mrs. Don Trapp TSI Filtration Technologies Mr. and Mrs. James Van Pelt Mr. and Mrs. Greg Van Pelt Mrs. Terry Van Zant Wachovia-Wells Fargo Matching Gift Program Mrs. Judy Walker Mr. and Mrs. Danny Walker Mr. and Mrs. Eric Walters Mr. and Mrs. Don Warren Mr. and Mrs. Peter Wu Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Yates

ANNUAL REPORT

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MIDDLE, HIGH SCHOOL AND ADMINISTRATION PERSONNEL

MIDDLE SCHOOL Principal Virginia Conover Secretary Karen Parker Faculty Melissa Brandon Tina Cook HIGH SCHOOL Principal Nancy McDaniel Dean of Students Kevin Hartley Secretary Barbara Smith Faculty Becky Abromaitis Melissa Brandon ADMINISTRATION Head of School Dr. Marc Stout Administrative Assistant Debra Brown Admissions Director Rachel Johnston

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ANNUAL REPORT

Julie Denham Rebekah Engle Patty Grahl Johnathan Gunter Jonathan Huitt Joan Jones Joel Peckman Karla Pursley Pattiann Rabb Trina Robinson Diane Thompson

Terry VanZant Teresa Williams

Counselor Katie Freeman

Chaplain Tim Barrett

Teresa Caesar Ken Connell Eric Engle Johnathan Gunter Ashley Hartley Justin Huitt Renee Jordan Adam Lynn John Matsik Mark Moore Jill Overton David Parker Christa Pratt Karla Pursley

Ingrid Purtell Bethsy San Millan Les Schofield Martha Stowe Mark Tankersley Christy Watson Cathy Whitley

Athletic Dept. Assistant Leigh Van Pelt

International Student Coordinator Karen Brooks

Business Office Kristen Lowe Nancy Roach Karin Slate

IT Director David Jordan Academic Dean Dr. Shirley Huelsman Media Specialist Debra Barton

Athletic Director Paul Struwe Athletic Dept. Assistant Leigh Van Pelt

Academic Dean Dr. Shirley Huelsman Athletic Director Tom Hawxwell

AdvancEd Coordinator Fred Chase Director of Fine Arts Maralie Medlin

After School Care Kay Currence Academic Dean Dr. Shirley Huelsman Nurses Sharon Spear Abby Leonard Terra Maitra

Chaplain Tim Barrett Counselor Kim Faulk Nurses Sharon Spear Abby Leonard Terra Maitra Operations Director Steve Matolka Maintenance Benjy Hunsucker Jason Moore Gene Thornton Communications Director Randy Erwin Safety & Security Director Officer Mike Robinson

FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT

Charlotte’s Web cast and crew

Mrs. Pursley and High School Chorus at Fine Arts Night The Park Bench

Middle School Chorus at Fine Arts Night Mr. Gunter and the Band students at Fine Arts Night

The Heiress

Artwork display for Fine Arts Night

ANNUAL REPORT

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BOOSTER CLUB AND YEAR IN SPORTS

GCS Annual Golf Tournament

T

GCS Booster Club update

he purpose of the Gaston Christian Booster Club is to provide support to the athletic program at GCS through assistance in fundraising, marketing, and promotions. During the 2017-18 school year, the Booster Club generated gross revenues of $90,663.00 through gate receipts, concessions, corporate advertising, fall festival, spirit wear sales, golf tournament, softball tournament, and private donations.

Our annual golf tournament held last May at Pine Island Country Club was a continued success as the tournament generated over $37245.00 of total revenue.

While there are many awards given to GCS athletes at the close of each season, the following conference and state recognitions were given to GCS athletes and teams: VARSITY BOYS SOCCER Regular Season Champions MAC Champs Advanced to the 2nd round of state playoffs All Conference - Joshua Putnam, Nate Hoover, Lucas Whitesides, Frank Lopez, Jacob Foster, Jacob Neely, Davis McBee, Caleb Thornburg, Colten Brewer VARSITY SOFTBALL Won 2018 NCISAA State Tournament Mia Holmes was awarded All-State, and All Conference went to Anna Crenshaw, Mia Holmes, Mackenzie Hill, and Emma Ghorley 22

ANNUAL REPORT

Booster Club contributed to the following project: Track equipment and softball improvements

VARSITY GIRLS SOCCER All Conference went to Katie Moore, Favour Spear, Emma Plunkett, Sydney Foley VARSITY BOYS GOLF Finished 3rd Place on MAC conference All Conference Ethan Thrower VARSITY TRACK Varsity track members Tringali, Evan Reid, Brendan Rooney and Caleb Thornburg won All Conference for 4x4 Relay. Caleb Thornburg also won All Conference for 400 Meter.

VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL All conference - Hannah Bonisa VARSITY BASEBALL Finished 3rd in the Conference. All Conference - Nate Ledford and Kevin Riley

If you would like to get involved and support the GCS athletic program through the Booster Club, please feel free to contact the Booster Club at: boosterclub@gastonchristian.org or contact Tom Hawxwell in the Athletic Office. Everyone is welcome to attend any of our meetings during the year to share your thoughts and ideas. For a complete schedule of Booster Club events, please check the school website under the Booster Club section of the athletic page.

Sincerely, Booster Club

VARSITY CROSS COUNTRY Boys finished 2nd in conference. Girls finished 4th in conference. All Conference Noah Oliver, Brendan Rooney, Molly Jahn.

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL All Conference - Lily Chapman, Ashlyn Freeman VARSITY BOYS TENNIS Finished 3rd in MAC Conference All Conference - Chase Shields and Andrew Nanney VARSITY GIRLS TENNIS They finished first place in the conference and won MAC Conference. All Conference: Meredith McCraw, Giulia Chitu, Lily Barrett VARSITY SWIM TEAM All conference - Hannah Olson, Payton Taylor, Dillon Yeager, Alex Barker, Kenna Matheney

2017-18 ATHLETIC SEASON RECORDS

Varsity Softball State Champions

Varsity Girls Tennis First in Conference/MAC Conference

Varsity Boys Soccer Regular Season/MAC Champions

Varsity Boys Tennis MAC Conference Champions

VARSITY SPORTS TEAM Varsity Baseball Basketball - Girls Basketball - Boys Cheerleading Cross Country Golf - Girl Golf - Boys Soccer - Girls Soccer - Boys Softball Swim Team - Girl/Boy Tennis - Girls Tennis - Boys Track / Field Volleyball

RECORD 11-9 5-12 4-19 N/A Boys Finished 2nd in MAC N/A 3rd Place in MAC 9-5 18-3-1 13-4 Finished 6th in MAC 3-6 3-6 N/A 8-10

JUNIOR VARSITY SPORTS TEAM Boy’s Basketball Volleyball

RECORD 7-13 1-12

COACH Jody Chapman Lisa Revels

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS TEAM Volleyball Soccer - Boys Tennis - Girls Cheerleading Basketball - Girls Basketball - Boys Softball Baseball Soccer - Girls Tennis - Boys

RECORD 7-9 14-2-1 1-5-1 N/A 11-4 5-11 5-7 5-8 9-5-1 1-6

COACH Rebecca Hinson Jonathan Huitt Paul Struwe Lisa Grubbs Nicole Todd Andre Howell Jay Oliver Zac Kennedy Jonathan Huitt Eric Engle

COACH Tim Brown, John Mullis, Preston Guy, Matthew Morgan Kevin Harrington, Stacia Ferone Paul Struwe, Kevin Harrington Stephanie Bowen Jason Moore, Leigh Van Pelt Bart Hinson Deric Smyre, Tim Barrett Justin Huitt, Johnny Hoover Justin Huitt, Johnny Hoover Danny Craig, Kristy Noble, Johnny Crenshaw, Chad Ghorley Chandra Barck Tim Owens Dhiren Rathod, Tony McCraw Jason Moore Lisa Revels

ANNUAL REPORT

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OUR MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Gaston Christian School is to help students mature spiritually and excel academically by offering a Biblically integrated, college-preparatory program that will enable them to impact the kingdom of God by living productive Christian lives.

OUR VISION STATEMENT Soaring to Excellence in Christ

GASTON CHR I STI AN SC HO O L 1625 LOWELL BETHESDA ROAD, GASTONIA, NC 28056 | WWW.GASTONCHRISTIAN.ORG EARLY CHILDHOOD (PS3-Kindergarten) Phone: (704) 824-9893 FAX: (704) 824-9895

ELEMENTARY (1st-5th Grade) Phone: (704) 824-9011 FAX: (704) 824-9013

MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL (6th –12th Grade) Phone: (704) 349-5020 (HS) Phone: (704) 349-5030 (MS) FAX: (704) 349-5027