Principal’s Perspective
The month of November is undoubtedly the one month in particular that conjures thankfulness as we anticipate the celebration of Thanksgiving. As we reflect on the past year, look at the present condition in our own lives or the situation worldwide, or possibly query what the future may hold, we find it difficult to be thankful. Harvesting a crop by teasing swampy conditions with our combines, grimacing through a period of low prices for commodities, struggling through a deteriorating relationship, enduring the effects of treatment for a terminal disease, or becoming non-ambulatory due to an aging body make it difficult to express true thankfulness. Added to these examples are the concerns with those around the globe who are suffering from the violence of storm or fleeing from an oppressive government regime. And then there is the whole issue of how much trust we can place in politicians who have recently been elected to their respective offices.
In spite of all the concerns that we face each day, the Scriptures remind us to reflect on the goodness of God. In I Corinthians 5:18, the apostle Paul writes, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Paul states very directly: No exceptions, no excuses, nothing is outside of this parameter–in everything give thanks. No matter the situation, we are to find a reason to thank God.
As we gather with our families this month, let’s take the opportunity to thank God for the material blessings we enjoy and recognize Him as the giver of all good gifts. Let’s not hesitate to share with others that thanksgiving is the aspect of praise that gives thanks to God for what He does for us. Ideally, thanksgiving should spring from a grateful heart; but it is required of all believers, regardless of their initial attitude. We should be thankful to God for all things, but especially for His work of salvation and sanctification. We ought also to thank God in anticipation of His answering our prayers, knowing that His answers will always be in accord with His perfect will for our lives.
According to Paul, a Spirit-filled believer is a thankful believer, a joyful believer, and a praying believer. If we are filled with the Spirit, thanks will gush out of us for everything! God’s will in Jesus Christ is that we would have constant joy, constant prayer, and constant thanks.
Gratitude makes sense of our past, it brings peace for today, and it creates a vision for tomorrow. However, we cannot drum an attitude of thankfulness on our own. That is why God works to will and to do of His own pleasure in us. He is working to make us thankful through the power of the Spirit. When we are filled with the Spirit, He produces a grateful heart. And what happens when we are grateful? God is glorified, we are blessed, the church is built, and the lost are reached. We can have a tremendous impact on the world if we only practice thanksgiving. Will our thanksgiving translate into thanks living?
Giving thanks, Harlan De Vries, Principal Western Christian High School
School Weather Announcements
Should it become necessary to dismiss school or to start late because of inclement weather the following radio stations will be notified to make the appropriate announcements: KSOU (1090 AM, 93.9 FM) – Sioux Center; KDCR (88.5 FM) – Dordt College; KIWA (1550 AM, 105.3 FM) – Sheldon; and KICD (1240 AM, 98.3 FM) – Spencer. Please listen to these stations for school weather information.
Those who wish to receive computer-generated phone calls for school delays or cancellations should go into their JMC account and click on “Parent Information”. After that, check the “Emergency/Weather Related” box and make sure your area code is included with your phone number.
For those of you with Twitter, school weather information will also be immediately “tweeted” on Western’s Twitter page. Follow Western Christian on Twitter at “TheWCWolfpack”.
You can also check our homepage www.westernchristianhs.com for information on weather announcements. Weather announcements will be in the box in the middle of the homepage.
Administrator Search Update
The Western Christian Community,
The Task Force appointed by the Board of Trustees earlier this fall has been diligently moving forward in the search process for the next Administrator of Western Christian High School. With the assistance of CACE (Center for the Advancement of Christian Education), multiple focus groups were held in September with Staff, Alumni, Parents, Supporters and Community Members. An online survey was also used to collect data from across our broad range of constituents. This collective information was used to develop the Opportunity Profile. Early in October, CACE made contact with the individuals in their vast database, while also distributing the Opportunity Profile to a wide range of candidates and education platforms across the United States, including those names provided by the Western Community to the Task Force! The Task Force gathered applicant information in the month of October and is narrowing the candidate list in November, with the interview process to follow. The Lord willing, the final Board decision and hiring will occur by the end of December. We want to thank all of those who were able to participate and contribute thoughts, ideas, and support during this process. We ask that you continue to lift up Western Christian, the Task Force, and potential candidates in prayer as we continue this process and seek to do His will!
John Vander Haag, Task Force Chair and Kevin Gesink, Board President
Second Century of Service Campaign Update
The renovation, addition and remodel that was completed two years ago has been a tremendous asset to the students, teachers, and staff at Western Christian High School. The new Ag facilities are used by one-fourth of our student body. The Event Center has been a tremendous upgrade to the school. Its versatility is a model for other schools. The new entrance, student lounge, and offices have greatly enhanced the security of our building and been a gathering place for visitors, students, and alumni. Those who have seen it say it was $7,500,000 that was well spent.
Currently, Western has borrowed approximately $2,950,000 from the Western Foundation and various local financial institutions. There are approximately $500,000 in pledges and expectancies to be paid yet. As of September 30, we were just short of the $5,000,000 threshold in gifts, commitments, and expectancies toward this project. Many people and businesses that made multi-year commitments are making their final gift this year on the commitments they made. As you consider your end of the year gifting please consider a gift to Western Christian for the campaign. Below is a scale of giving we have been working with. The numbers in parentheses are the gifts and commitments we have received at those levels so far.
All-State Choir
Jonathan Slice, a senior, was selected as a bass for the All-State Chorus. Auditions were held in Storm Lake on Saturday, October 20. Jonathan has auditioned the previous two years as well and was recalled both years. Jon is excited to sing with this elite and talented group of musicians. The All-State Music Festival will be held on November 16 and 17 in Ames and conclude with a concert on the 17th at the Hilton Coliseum.
Number of Gifts Commitment over 5 years Commitment Annually Total 1 $500,000 ($100,000 per year $500,000 2 (3) $250,000 ($50,000 per year) $500,000 10 (4) $100,000 ($20,000 per year) $1,000,000 40 (16) $50,000 ($10,000 per year) $2,000,000 40 (29) $25,000 ($5,000 per year) $1,000,000 100 (85) $10,000 ($2,000 per year) $1,000,000 200 (120) $5,000 ($1,000 per year) $1,000,000 200 (160) $2,500 ($500 per year) $500,000 $7,500,000
gifted and pledged=$4,933,000
Total
The end of the first quarter is in the books. As students begin their second quarter and switch athletic/activity seasons, academic success needs to continue to be their main focus no matter their grade level. Learning to manage time can help keep stress levels down as students get involved in a variety of activities. One helpful tool to help with time management is keeping a planner or organizer that is used daily to record assignments, projects, deadlines, tests, activities, meetings, and practices. This tool can be a paper planner or one that is kept on a device - phone, computer, or tablet. Keeping everything recorded in one place can help students see what all needs to be completed and when. Color coding by subject or priority allows for quick reference. Working backward from deadlines and due dates will help spread out the workload over time and reduce the quick rush the day before getting the project or assignment completed. Prioritizing assignments and tasks is critical as well. If a quiz or test is coming up students should study in the half-hour between activities or work on a chunk of a larger project. Managing time can help students achieve academic success. Keeping up grades is essential and can affect scholarship eligibility and college admittance no matter if students are in their senior, junior, sophomore, or freshman year of high school.
The Pack Players Present Stuart Little
The Pack Players proudly put on Stuart Little this fall on November 1st and 3rd. This delightful play followed a young mouse, Stuart Little (played by senior Jonathan Slice), and his adventures of being a mouse in a big person’s world. It was a play for all ages, and the audience was charmed to see that size doesn’t matter, but the heart does. The Players worked hard for eight weeks preparing the show. The cast was larger at nearly 25 actors. We are so proud of the work they put it to bring joy to the audience for a short time.
Counselor’s Corner – Mrs. de Boom
Prayer and Praise
Please lift your praise to God for . . .
• the announcements of upcoming births for the Wilson family and Negan family. Sarah Wilson teaches in the Science Department and instructs in the Resource Room. Justin Negan teaches U.S. History, coaches Girls Basketball, and is the Assistant Principal.
• the wedding of Ashley Mastbergen (Spanish teacher) to Shalom Nwaokolo on November 3.
• a rewarding and uplifting Stewardship Day in which the students and staff were able to show Love in Action.
Please lift your prayers to God for . . .
• Lyle Van Ravensway and Erin Hoekstra along with their family in the passing of Lyle’s mom and Erin’s grandma Helena Van Ravensway.
• Tyler Van Otterloo and his family as he is still recovering from West Nile disease and is now receiving rehabilitation at Quality Living, INC(QLI) in Omaha.
• the Administrator Search Task Force as they work through the process of finding/hiring the next person to lead Western Christian.
Dordt Math Challenge
The math department is grateful that 28 students (a Western record!) were able to participate in the Dordt College Math Competition on October 16:
• Clay VanTol, Trayle Kats, Parker Vis, Jeff DeKam, Jacob Vis, Jonathan Veldman, Cole Christians, Kyler Statema (seniors)
• Rachel Covey, Aubrey Kooima, Jill DenHerder, Cassie VanOtterloo, Jamie DeKam, Dolan VanDeStroet, Brandon Kamstra, Ross VanderBerg, Janessa Klyn (juniors)
• Sage Hoekstra (sophomore)
• Alexa Klyn, Allison Walhof, Danika Cannegieter, Dylan Petitt, Tage Hulstein, Naomi DiStigter, Cole Feenstra, Wyatt Gulker, Riely Andringa, Kyler Heemskerk (freshmen)
The DC Math Challenge included 18 schools and over 250 students. It is a day to celebrate mathematics through activities and challenges which require students to recognize and describe the patterns created and sustained by our faithful and consistent God. Every time we solve a problem, we learn more about who He is. Math is a wonderful and practical tool to explore creation and worship our God!
Students jumped right into the competition by taking an individual exam in the morning. Several breakout sessions were offered. Students explored careers in mathematics and statistics, a puzzle of frogs and toads, modular origami, the ancient game of Nim using binary numbers and game theory, and a mathematical murder mystery. After lunch, students competed in a 4-person team exam. The toothpick tournament ended the day, removing or rearranging toothpicks from a set position to create a particular picture.
Team Competition: Clay Van Tol, Trayle Kats, Parker Vis, and Jeff DeKam (the self-titled Dream Team) placed 3rd overall.
Team-Building Activity: the Dream Team and the Meme Team (Jacob Vis, Jonathan Veldman, Cole Christians, Kyler Statema) each solved a toothpick challenge round the quickest.
Lynae Dadisman & Courtney Rylaarsdam Math Instructors
We are Most Grateful for Memorial Gifts Received in Honor and Memory of:
Marie Boogerd, Rock Valley. Marie and her husband James had seven children that attended Western Christian High School. Dennis (‘65), Jim (‘66), Marilyn (‘69), Robert (‘74), William (‘75), Betty (‘79), and Rachel (‘86).
Grace (Vander Werff) Hartog, Sanborn. Grace was a 1937 graduate of Western Christian High School. Grace and her husband Cornie had four children, several grandchildren, and great grandchildren that attended or are attending Western Christian. Their children were Ron (‘66), Marcia (‘69), Doris (‘72) and Curt (‘77).
Dorothy Van Beek, Rock Valley. Dorothy and her husband George had five children who attended Western Christian. Linda (‘68), Vern (‘69), Wanda (‘70), Ken (‘74), and Nancy (‘78).
Marvin Vande Kamp, Rock Valley. Marvin and his wife Harriet (‘55) have three children that attended Western Christian. Kelvin (‘76), Carol, Philip (‘83), and Joel (‘92).
Grace Steensma, Sheldon. Grace and her husband Ike had a deep appreciation for Christian education and had nieces and nephews that attended Western Christian.
Students Learn While Helping Bargain Alley
The Consumer Economics classes, led by Derek Keizer, were asked to be involved in improving the marketing of the Bargain Alley Thrift Store this semester. Challenges issued to the class included:
• How can the Bargain Alley increase traffic in the store among the age group 14-22?
• How can the Bargain Alley make better use of social media advertising?
After visiting the store students noticed a lack of a good selection of clothes that would appeal to the age group 14-22. The class organized a clothing drive asking for clothing that would specifically appeal to their age group. Students produced a video encouraging other students to participate in the clothing drive. Flyers were hung around the school promoting the store and the clothing drive.
The class is also working on posting items that might not sell at its full potential in a thrift store on eBay. Finally, the students have also created an Instagram account to reach another audience through Social Media. You can check out this work @bargain.alley on Instagram as well as continuing to follow the store on the Facebook page, Bargain Alley Thrift Store.
Student Poetry
Lyndsey Zuidema, a 2018 Western Graduate, wrote an award-winning poem, “I Met the Ocean Once” last school year. Zuidema submitted the poem to a Lyrical Iowa contest, and they forwarded the poem onto the student contest for the National Federation of State Poetry Societies. The winning poem is published in the book Encore: Prize Poems available for purchase on Amazon. It is listed incorrectly as 2nd place in the book, but Zuidema did earn 1st place honors and a $50 cash prize.
I Met the Ocean Once
He was younger than I expected. Caught me by surprise, swept me out of sand (toes wiggling) with bubbling hands. The Ocean is every second changing, while always the same young and shaking sand out of his hair, laughing eyes host a soul old as earth itself. I am pulled under by arms holding tight; I open my eyes and
the Ocean is blue, but not just one shade. Not just hurricane wind, coral-tinted crystal, or sunlight-faded shining satin - blue, in its entirety, from giggling froth of waves racing each other up the shoreline to the thick and heavy velvet gently coating the deep,
He presses lips to mine. Not a kiss, but a message spoken close that no secret may escape, and I listen. His lips taste of salt, but the words are sweet: Life, love. Spoken in sea-turtles’ shells, candy-colored fish, the Ocean whispers of luminescent jellyfish and tsunami waves, the moment before the humpback breaches, blackened caverns, turquoise calm, somewhere a girl bursts above the water and
I gasp, had to come up for air. Loss and life, love and joy have been pressed onto my tongue. They taste like seaweed.
My War on Hurry
Two years ago, Michael and Megan Ribbens led one of our chapels while they were in the United States from their home in Nigeria. One specific thing that they set in front of us still challenges me each day. They mentioned Richard Foster, a writer who stated that the devil uses three things to pull us away from God: hurry, noise, and crowds. Since that time, I have often observed how perceptive Richard Foster was; in my life, it is especially visible in the first word mentioned: hurry.
I used to joke with my students that I walk fast, talk fast, and my brain works fast. Typically, when they come into my classroom for the first time, they agree. But in the past months, I have tried very hard to put my tendency to hurry under the microscope of God’s Word. And after doing that, I am attempting to declare war, whenever possible, on hurry.
The seniors in Bible 12 and I have challenged ourselves, at least a couple of specific times already this semester, to be especially mindful of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, Question and Answer #1:
Q: “What is the chief end of man?”
A: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” We have challenged ourselves to examine our ability to truly enjoy God if we are hurrying through our days, each moment blurring into the next. It is very difficult to enjoy anything at a hurried, hectic pace. When I asked my students to be intentional and deliberate in their enjoyment of God, one after another shared with me that they first slowed down. They took time. They created quiet space to accomplish the goal of enjoying God. And, amazingly, it worked. I had students who, even days later, could tell me what Biblical passage they had read at a slower pace, what song they had listened to as praise or worship to God, or what part of nature held their attention as they strived to be mindful of their Creator.
It’s comparable to Thanksgiving dinner. Many of us will soon enjoy a feast of food, served around a table filled with family and friends, celebrating the bountiful blessings of God. Imagine if you had prepared that feast for family and friends, only to see them race in at the last minute to take a place at the table, rush to fill up their plates, shovel all the delicious food into their mouths, and then excuse themselves from that same table, maybe 5 minutes after their arrival. It would be obvious that your guests had not enjoyed that meal, but it would also be fair to predict that their frantic pace would surprise, disappoint, and likely anger you; hours of preparation and planning cannot be consumed, certainly not appreciated, by that “quick a minute” approach. The beauty of that meal is not only the food, but also the time that a family spends eating and enjoying it together.
And yet, our great God, sets out so much more than a Thanksgiving meal for us each day. His power and majesty are on steady display all around us, but we hurry on by. We fill up our calendars and add notes to our planners until we drop into bed exhausted each night. We have become convinced that anything done faster and easier is better, because that often allows us to do even more. But when I consider this frenetic pace, I see a stark contrast to my Creator God. He is timeless. His plan cannot be rushed. He is never hurried or stressed. He is in complete control. His every act has great purpose and intention. I see that also when I consider Christ as He walked on earth. He did not rush from town to town. He made every interaction count. He spoke to people, and He listened to them. He sat down and allowed children to climb onto His lap. He never filled his day so full that He became too busy to separate Himself to a quiet place to pray. If my Savior, Jesus Christ, recognized the value of being still and quiet in God’s presence, then how much more should I recognize my need to be in God’s presence without hurry?
So, I have declared war on hurry in my life. Whenever possible, I am seeking enjoyment, rather than accomplishment. Deadlines still exist, I still find myself looking at the clock often throughout my day, and slow drivers still annoy me. But, when possible, I intentionally slow down and enjoy a slower pace. I strive to enjoy making supper for my family, not because I love cooking so much, but because I know a meal will mean time for all of us to sit around the table, eating, talking, and having devotions. I enjoy walks with my dog, not because I have nothing else to do, but because sometimes I am physically tense after a busy day at school and a walk in the fresh air, quietly recalling God’s goodness in my day is the best way to relax and refocus.
Don’t get me wrong. I still stress and I still hurry, but by God’s grace, I am striving for balance. I see God’s steady, persistent work in my life; in His Word, I read multiple calls to be quiet, still, and patient. I am finding great peace in my times of unhurried enjoyment of Him and precious time in His Word. I encourage you to consider declaring your own battle on hurry, not because of my invitation, though, but because of His:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matt 11:28-30.
Just My Thoughts, KC
Boys Cross Country
The boys cross country team this year consisted of 10 boys; the team had some new faces. We had a successful year and had some young talent help us. We always had a few guys in the top ten in both the JV and Varsity races. Both teams showed much determination this year by competing to the fullest every meet and continuing to get better while working towards one end-ofthe-year goal. It was great to see the guys grow as a team.
A few runners paced the team with the other guys coming in not too far behind. There was much talent for us in different grades, which was nice to see as a coach. Five senior guys provided leadership for all. I would really like to thank them for all the help with the younger runners and being great leaders to everyone. They will all be missed next season not only with their talents but also with their team commitment and leadership. We were blessed to have such a great group of guys. I would also like to thank my three great managers. They made my life much easier!
I want to thank the guys for being such a great group to coach as well as the parents for the support they give to the team and this sport. God truly blessed us again this year.
Season Highlights:
State Finishers: Jon Veldman - 81st, Tage Hulstein - 89th
All-District individual: Tage Hulstein - 12th, Jon Veldman - 14th
All-Conference Individual: Jon Veldman - 8th, Tage Hulstein - 10th
Girls Cross Country
This year our girls team had a building year; we had a small group with a total of 11 girls, but it was great to see some new faces join us on the team. We had an interesting year with the injury bug seeming to get us week after week. Despite low numbers, our girls team was fantastic at giving it their all.
Our girls varsity team was led by junior Whitney Minderhoud in all of the races this year. We had a good group of girls who weren’t afraid to work hard. We had one senior girl, Marissa Driesen, participating. I want to thank her for the time that she put in over the last four years both in running and helping the program grow as well as supporting the younger runners.
I would really like thank the girls for being such a great team to coach and their parents for being incredible supporters and coming out to the meets to cheer for the kids. We must remember to give all the glory of this season to God for the talents that he truly blessed upon us.
Season Highlights:
State Finish: Whitney Minderhoud 19th
All-District: Whitney Minderhoud 2nd All-Conference: Whitney Minderhoud 7th
Coach Dalton Lems
Coach Dalton Lems
