Western Witness - Spring 2020

WESTERN CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

In this issue:

A Culture of Disruption. A Culture of Learning.

Large Group Speech

Reflections on the Deeper Learning Conference

JETS –2020 “Engineering in the Wild”

Just My Thoughts

Reflections of Unplugged Days

Music Department Notes

Honor Choir 2020

Orchestra Extravaganza

Girls Basketball

Thank You! From the Western Christian Girls Basketball Team

Boys Basketball

Spring Drive Reduction Campaign

Wolfpack Wrestling

Ag Department Updates

NICSTO

Fast Facts from the Pack

Memorial Gifts

Exchange Program

Prayer and Praise

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:7

At the time this issue of the Western Witness went to print, there were many uncertainties about what school would look like for our students due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Local and global communities have been impacted in astonishing ways. We view this as a time to bring about Shalom and wisdom that comes from God. Our confidence lies in a sovereign Lord whose plans transcend human understanding and give us hope for the future.

Spiritual Emphasis Week

Febuary 11 - 14

Students and staff were challenged to examine their Identity during Spiritual Emphasis Week 2020. Mr. Steven Harrison, Bible teacher and Director of Development at Deer Creek Christian School in Chicago Heights, Illinois, gave three powerful messages drawing the students in to help them recognize the importance of having their Identity built around Jesus Christ. Harrison also visited some English classrooms as well during his visit.

Steve Blom, Executive Director of Bright Promise Fund in Chicago, joined two sections of Bible 12 to encourage discussion and thinking about Christian community. He shared his own life story and then his conviction to building stronger, more diverse connections in Christian community. He blessed and challenged our Bible classes. Blom also led the staff in their Professional Learning that week.

On Friday, Faithpack groups met for an extended period reflecting on the importance of their Christcentered Identity.

Mr. Steven Harrison

Mr. Steve Blom

Faithpack Groups

A Culture of Disruption. A Culture of Learning.

Sabbath rest is one of God’s good gifts to humanity. In the Verwolf household, Sunday kicks off the week with a full day of rest and worship. Ahh, sabbath rest. Ok, time to get real; when my family gets ready for church on Sunday morning, it feels far from restful. This was especially the case a few weeks ago when our 4-year-old daughter grabbed the hot-end of the curling iron just minutes before walking out the door to church: bloodcurdling screams and a blistered hand. (Don’t feel too bad. A pack of fruit snacks from a fellow church member calmed her down…)

Have you ever touched the hot-end of a curling iron? If yes, how many times? I’m guessing it only happened once, or maybe twice. After the curling iron incident, our daughter hesitates to dip her toes in a warm bath. She has become mindful. Her frame of thinking has been disrupted. She has learned.

Our day is full of 1,000 new things that we need to make sense of and respond to. A ‘good day’ is when we can make sense and process these 1,000 things - and, at the end of the day, we have learned a lot. This is a statement about life; walking the dog, driving to work, engaging in a conversation, stubbing my toe, etc.

School needs to reflect this. Students walk into the building each day at equilibrium. As teachers, we try to create learning that disrupts what students know so they can make sense of the new (learning) and land at a new equilibrium. Schools need to do this with design and artistry. Too much disruption will be chaotic, and we won’t be able to learn - this leads to anxiety (not good for learning). Too little disruption leads to boredom (not good for learning).

Friends, we were born to learn.

At Western Christian High School, we aim to disrupt in a Kingdom-oriented direction. We have identified that we need to grow upon a culture of learning. We desire to look for opportunities to seek, share, and try new things continuously, all to improve outcomes in each of our graduates. Jesus modeled this well for us. In fact, his parables were all about disruption! He took what appeared to be familiar and turned it in a new direction. Lesson learned.

In mission, together.

Brian Verwolf Head Administrator

Large Group Speech

This season, the Large Group Speech students explored many fun and humorous ideas for their Radio Broadcast projects - a love hotline, a terribly unreliable news source, a radio show that gives tips to freshmen, and humorous show about generational confusion over technology. These creative and dynamic groups featured original music and unique advertising within their work.

Two Improv groups advanced to State:

1) Braelyn Kamstra, Korey Sandbulte-DeJong, and Kendra Wynja

2) Nestor Delachica, Lucas Stiemsma, and Alexa Klyn.

Both teams put together humorous performances and really built on their strong group dynamic.

I am excited to work with speech students again next year to fine-tune the craft. Well done Western Large Group Speech!

Laurissa Boman

Reflections on the Deeper Learning Conference

The phrase “Deeper Learning” was coined by the Hewlett Packard Foundation in 2010 to define what they saw as skills necessary for the “jobs of tomorrow.” They defined a set of competencies students would need to compete globally and to become engaged citizens at home in the 21st century. The first four, often called the 4 C’s, are content, collaboration, critical (and creative) thinking, and communication. Two others have to do with the attitude of the learner: positive/growth mindset and independent learning, or becoming leaders of their learning.

Informed by:

“Decoding Deeper Learning in the Classroom.” William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and Education Writer’s Association “Mission and Values of Deeper Learning.” Dan Beerens, CACE

On February 26-28, three Western faculty and I attended the 3rd annual Christian Deeper Learning conference in Denver, CO. God brought together hundreds of educators from around the world to renew our passion, reimagine our practices, and reflect on the relationship between our values and our habits. One of my most significant takeaways from the conference was a sense of rejuvenation by connecting with so many Christian educators who are doing amazing work. The greater story of Christ-centered education is becoming a fascinating expedition, and I praise God that we are not in isolation. In fact, I sense more community amongst other faithbased schools than ever before. This growth in community is good news for kids and for the kingdom.

At Western Christian, we are making excellent progress that is informed by our school’s mission. Christian Deeper Learning supports real work meeting the needs of real people, immersing students in God’s Story as they explore and partner with him to restore the good world he made. We need more of this in our Christian high school, and we are on our way!

Brian Verwolf Head Administrator

JETS – 2020 “Engineering in the Wild”

On Wednesday, February 12, Dordt University hosted the annual TEAMS competition in Sioux Center. This year’s theme, “Engineering in the Wild,” focused on creating solutions to scenarios related to biomimicry, preserving habitat in the Saharan, sustainable land development and water conservation, artificial canopy walkways, transportation in the frozen tundra, and environmental damage from renewable energies. Each team had 6-8 students who focused on specific areas and then had to work together to solve a variety of difficult and challenging problems.

The TEAMS competition includes three scored components. First, an essay was completed prior to the competition focusing on redesigning the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa, to make it more user-friendly for both guests of the park and for the animals that live in it. Second, an 80-question multiple-choice test was taken; this component required students to work collectively within their group in hopes of successfully solving high-level problems. Finally, a hands-on activity focused on building an operational crane that could pick up a load of pennies. Once again, all components of this year’s test required students to work collaboratively together as a team by hypothesizing, designing, experimenting, and creating models as a team of engineers.

Overall, our teams performed very well and learned a lot about the many challenges that engineers face on a daily basis. It was great to see students working collectively to accomplish difficult and challenging tasks. Our multiple-choice test, crane building project and essays have been sent into a panel of judges who will evaluate how we did.

Thanks to all the students involved and a job well done!

Mr. De Stigter

Team Members:

Maroon: Aubrey K, Dolan VDS, Rachel C, Michael VP, Brandon K, Cassie VO, Allison C, Janessa K

White: Jill DH, Ross VB, Logan B, Alexa K, Dillon P, Skylar M, Kyler H

Black: Dason VH, Sarah W, Hayden VDS, Mason K, Jacob W, Derek H

Just My Thoughts

Unplugged and Reflective

Last week the Western learning community tackled a big learning opportunity. We set aside technology for two school days; March 5-6 were called Unplugged days. A national campaign under the same name has been implemented for Americans in many school and work settings to encourage people to reconnect with each other by disconnecting many technological devices. For the Western learning community, that meant no cell phones or laptops from 8:30-3:30 on Thursday and Friday.

I am not a technology hater; in fact, those days gave me a pretty clear picture of how dependent I am on my devices. I admit that not being able to check my email or get updates on my phone was not easy for me. I reached for my phone numerous times, only to remember that I didn’t have it on me, and I wouldn’t have it back until after school. But I also immediately noticed some “extra” time because of being unplugged. I wrote three cards to people that I have meant to encourage. I read a chapter in a book that I have been trying to finish for months. I stopped in the hallway to visit with some students because I didn’t have the feeling that I had to rush somewhere–it was just a slower pace that I noticed. I noticed a lot more chatter in the student lounge, in the LMC, and the lunchroom as I walked through on those days.

The Unplugged Campaign doesn’t promote throwing out our phones or devices. And while technology isn’t evil, spending a couple of days disconnected highlights how we could all be wiser in how we use it. When I asked students to reflect on our Unplugged days, many noted an increased mental clarity that they credited to fewer distractions, slower-paced schedules, and reduced overall anxiety. I think we could all be a little more reflective of how much time each day is consumed by technology, and often by things that really matter very little.

A recent devotional that I read was entitled, “Things That Really Matter.” The author shared that as he gets older, he is trying harder to set the right priorities. This paragraph fits well with our Unplugged reflections: “Take time to review your list of what you keep investing in and clasping in your hands. When was the last time you prayerfully allowed the LORD to help you set your priorities for the way you invest your time and your resources?” (C. Swindoll, Good Morning, Lord).

I am hoping that one of the ongoing lessons of “Unplugged” will be an attempt to be even more aware of where we invest our time and what devices we clasp in our hands. We can be challenged to pray that God shows us how to reset our priorities to align them with God’s priorities. God did not create us to be busy or distracted; He created us to be dependent on Him, not our phones, our schedules, or our to-do lists. It amazes me that when we read about Jesus and His ministry on earth, we don’t read that He raced from town to town, or that He rushed from one group to the next, or that he hurried through his meals to get on his way. He walked. He listened to people. He stopped and prayed often. He talked and preached daily with those who followed Him. He sat down and ate with a variety of people (sometimes even thousands at a time!). He was present. And that is what I spent some extra time thinking about during our Unplugged days–simply being present in the lives of those around me and taking time to be fully present with my Creator–not rushed or distracted–simply present. Unplugged has given me a lot to think about. I hope others in my learning community and life are thinking too.

Just My Thoughts, KC

Reflections of Unplugged Days

• I liked that I didn’t miss my phone that much. I didn’t have a huge urge to be on it, and it was nice to see that I could live without it.

• I missed playing games on my phone, but my peers and I had good conversations.

• I couldn’t work on my online college course, but I did feel like there was way less stress.

• I wouldn’t mind being without my phone every day.

• For the first time this school year, I observed a student actually reading a physical newspaper and a magazine.

Music Department Notes

• The WC Concert Band invited area 4th graders to an “Introduction-to-Bandfor-4th-graders” concert on Feb. 20. Each section of the band performed a song to demonstrate the different sounds in a band.

Honor Choir 2020

Sage Hoekstra, Sylvia Koelewyn, Ross Vander Berg, Breanna Ten Pas and Emily Zuidema participated in the Northwest Iowa High School Honor Choir on Monday, January 20 at Dordt University. The Honor Choir was led by Dr. Eric Barnum, composer and director of choral activities at Drake University.

The Choir enjoyed the opportunity to sing some traditional and unusual selections and work with Dr. Barnum. The students’ favorite selection was the closing song, “Hymn of Acxiom.” It is a haunting and beautiful piece written from the perspective of a computer using it’s database to know you.

Orchestra Extravaganza

On Thursday, February 20, the Western Christian High School Orchestra hosted an evening of music and storytelling around the theme “Kingdoms and Creatures”. Orchestra students from Hull Christian and Rock Valley Christian Schools attended. The light-hearted event featured repertoire accessible to string players and audience members of all ages including “Harry’s Wondrous World” from the movie Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and “Dragonhunter” by Richard Meyer. The evening also included a dance performed by the 2nd graders–choreographed by Maggie Kats (junior), narration between songs performed by Harper De Groot and Tenley De Groot of RVCS, and a special appearance by Mr. Brian Verwolf, head administrator of WCHS, as the dragon hunter!

Girls Basketball

Love God, Love Your Teammates, Love to Compete

Way back on November 18, nine young ladies sat around a table to craft a vision for the journey ahead. Together, they selected our theme verse from Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourself, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of others.” The group also developed ten goals; these had nothing to do with winning or losing basketball games, but rather, were standards that they agreed to hold each other to. On that Monday afternoon in mid-November, very few would have predicted that this team would work its way into the top 8 in the state rankings, nor would they be the #1 seed in their region come tournament time. No one expected they would get the opportunity to represent Western Christian in Des Moines or would have the eventual 2A state champions on the ropes in the 4th quarter at Wells Fargo. Many in that room may not have even anticipated such success. The beauty of this team is that it was never about results; results were the by-product of holding each other to the standards that were set; the reward was in the work; the joy was in the journey!

As we added more girls to the roster throughout the season, this group became a TEAM in every sense of the word. We didn’t have a superstar; we didn’t care who got the credit; we had a different leading scorer almost every night. We embraced our unique God-given gifts to grow into impactful roles, and we played with grit, effort, and intensity. A mentor of mine reflected on this season by sharing, “Defense and DETERMINATION were hallmarks of this team.” I couldn’t agree more.

Team Highlights and Individual Honors:

Combined team GPA - 3.94

Lakes Conference Co-Champion

2A State Qualifier

Academic All-Conference - Cassie Van Otterloo, Ally Postma, Abby Postma, Macay Van’t Hul, Makenna Kooima, Courtney Kollis, Olivia Granstra, Jillian Den Herder, Ashlee Groeneweg (all 9 seniors)

IGCA Academic All-State - Cassie Van Otterloo, Ally Postma, and Abby Postma

IBCA Academic All-State - Ally Postma and Abby Postma

1st Team All-Conference - Olivia Granstra and Abby Postma

2nd Team All-Conference - Macay Van’t Hul and Ally Postma

All-Conference Honorable Mention - Makenna Kooima and Madison Vis

IGCA All-District, IBCA All-Region, and IBCA Senior All-Star Game - Olivia Granstra

This year we had seven senior players (Macay Van’t Hul, Cassie Van Otterloo, Makenna Kooima, Courtney Kollis, Ally Postma, Abby Postma, and Olivia Granstra) and two senior managers (Jillian Den Herder and Ashlee Groeneweg) who provided excellent leadership for our team. They were tremendously successful on the basketball court, but they are even better young ladies of integrity, commitment, and faith. Thank you for your dedication to Wolfpack basketball over the past four years and serving as great representatives for Western Christian, your families, and your Savior. Special thanks go out to our managers for all of the behind-the-scenes work, Coach Kooima for his work with the freshman team, Coach Broersma and Coach Vis for their work with the JV team and as assistant varsity coaches. Also, thank you, parents, for the support, meals, encouragement, prayers, and many miles traveled to cheer us on.

Above all, we thank God for the talents and abilities He blessed us with, and the opportunity to use them to glorify His name on and off the court. To God, be the glory!

Coach Negen

Thank You! From the Western Christian Girls Basketball Team

On behalf of the players, managers, coaches, and parents of the girls basketball team, we would like to thank the following area businesses and individuals for sponsoring a team meal during our time at the State Tournament in Des Moines: American State Bank, Iowa State Bank, and Farmers Mutual of Hull, and Rock Industries, Wireless World, and L and J Cattle in Rock Valley. In addition, thank you to Hi-Way Chevrolet Buick for donating vehicles for our trip. We greatly appreciate all of the area support!

Wolfpack Girls Basketball Team

Boys Basketball

Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. Be very sure now, you who have been trained to a self-sufficient maturity, that you enter into a generous common life with those who have trained you, sharing all the good things that you have and experience. ~Galatians 6:5-6 (MSG)

The 2019-2020 boys’ basketball season began last spring with the current senior class devoting time to study the book The Power of a Positive Team by Jon Gordon. During this time, the seniors started the team-building process as we knew we’d enter the year with a lot of in-game inexperience. The commitment and dedication to building team chemistry that started back in the spring, evolved up until our last game in February 2020.

After losing our first two games of the season, the team re-grouped and rattled off 11 wins in a row and found ourselves playing some really good basketball. We went from a young, inexperienced group to a team that garnered a great deal of attention from our opponents. We went 10-0 in conference play and won the Lakes Conference with a five-game lead over any other conference opponent. Winning the Lakes Conferences was a huge accomplishment for these young men!

Unfortunately, our season ended with a heartbreaking overtime loss in district play, and we finished with a 16-6 record. Although our season ended earlier than we would have liked, we have so many memories to reflect on. One memory I’m incredibly humbled by is the guys’ eagerness and intentionality to start a new tradition of praying the competitor’s creed during pregame warm-ups with our Youth Wolfpack athletes. We play for a bigger purpose...Let the Glory Be God’s!

A special thanks goes out to seniors Trevor Anderson, Dawson Feenstra, Brandon Kamstra, Dyson Kooima, Zach Van Essen, Tate Winterfeld, and Cole Zevenbergen. These guys put the team first this year and made it a very special group to be around each day.

Post Season Awards:

Lakes Conference:

1st Team: Dawson Feenstra & Ty Van Essen

2nd Team: Tyson Boer & Wyatt Gulker

Honorable Mention: Eli Van Essen & Tate Winterfeld

IBCA All-Substate Team

Dawson Feenstra All-Academic All-Conference

Dawson Feenstra

Brandon Kamstra

Zach Van Essen

Cole Zevenbergen

Coach Keizer

Spring Drive Reduction Campaign

The Spring Drive Reduction Campaign is up and running. Spring Drive gifts help out immensely. This year’s Spring Drive goal is to address the issue of keeping students safe at Western Christian. School security around the country is a big issue, and the Board of Directors plan to be proactive by replacing a severely outdated security camera system this summer. A new system will provide digital camera coverage to the interior and exterior of Western Christian to help maintain security and surveillance of the property. The cost of these upgrades amounts to approximately $25,000.

In addition to a new security system, the issue of lighting in the gymnasium is a high priority of the Building and Grounds committee.

Switching to LED lighting can accomplish three goals:

1. Better quality light in the gym.

2. Round LED fixtures will attach to existing lines, which will keep lights from being knocked askew.

3. Western will save about $500 to $1000 per year on the electric bill.

The cost of upgrading the lighting would be approximately $20,000.

Last year around $105,000 was raised during the Spring Drive; the year before $118,000 was raised. Last year’s drive helped renovate the restrooms that service the gymnasium. The compliments we received because of these improvements have been overwhelming.

Spring Drive also helps keep the cost of tuition down for all families. The Board of Directors plans on allocating $50,000 towards the reduction of tuition for all students.

Would you please consider making a gift that would help reach our goal? If you did not make a gift last year to Spring Drive, we hope you will see the need and consider making a gift this year. We do need your help! If you are 70 ½ years old you can make a gift directly from your IRA, which has excellent tax advantages. If possible, Spring Drive will wrap up by April 29 so the security system and lights can be installed this summer. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Wes Fopma at 712-439-1013 or email wes.fopma@westernchristianhs.com

Wolfpack Wrestling

It was a historic season for the Wolfpack wrestling team. For the first time in school history, the wrestling team qualified for the playoffs after a stellar performance at the Sectional tournament. It was at the Sectional tournament that Jace Mulder, Tristan Mulder, and Eli Van Ginkel all walked away with championships, and Levi Vanden Bos finished as a runner-up to advance to the District tournament. The team did lose in the first round of the playoffs, but it was a huge accomplishment just getting there.

At the District tournament, Jace Mulder, Tristan Mulder, and Eli Van Ginkel continued their torrid run, and all won championships and advanced to the state tournament in De Moines. These three wrestlers would again make history as, for the first time in program history, we would send three wrestlers to the state tournament. Jace Mulder would become the first freshman ever to qualify for the state tournament.

At the State tournament, the team opened up a lot of eyes and again made history. The team finished in the top 10 in the state, which is the highest finish in school history—led by returning state-runner up Tristan Mulder, who capped off another monumental season by finishing third as a Junior. Next was Jace Mulder, who made it all the way to the semi-finals before dropping a match to the eventual 4x State Champion. Jace would bounce back and finish 5th in the state and once again making history as the only Wolfpack wrestler to place in the state as a Freshman from Western Christian. Finally, Eli Van Ginkel capped off his senior campaign with a strong performance in his first appearance in the state tournament. Eli would wrestle his heart out to ensure he found his way on the podium, and he did placing 8th in the state.

It was a great year overall for the wrestling program thanks to Brayden Sponk, Skylar Mullinex, Keegan Van Surksum, Jace Mulder, Elliot Carney, Tristan Mulder, Karson Vanderziel, Eli Van Ginkel, Levi Vanden Bos, and Noah Jansma.

The future looks bright for Wolfpack wrestling with a young solid core of returning wrestlers and with the rapid rise and success of our Jr. High and youth programs.

The wrestling program would like to thank Activities Director Travis Kooima and Head Administrator Brian Verwolf for all their support this season. Thank you, cheerleaders, as well as all of our parents and fans for your unwavering support this season.

We will host a camp on June 22 and 23rd – The Portillo Brothers are the clinicians.

Coach Pete Di Pol

Ag Department Updates

This winter season, the agricultural program has been involved in a multitude of activities, competitions, and putting the final touches on projects within the program.

The Agricultural Showcase took place at Western on February 17. At the beginning of the school year, each FFA member and ag student was given the opportunity to choose from 37 different career/leadership areas in agriculture, spend every Friday preparing and learning about it, and put their work to work at the Showcase. For FFA members, the Showcase was a chance to practice before entering competitions. For Ag students not in FFA, it gave them an opportunity to see the myriad of careers in agriculture throughout the community. The Showcase was made possible through community members who were volunteer ‘coaches’ who helped guide the students.

The success of the Showcase led to the success of Sub-Districts and FFA week. This year’s officer team put together a variety of activities and events that involved the school and community. Some highlights from the week included: Ag Olympics, Appreciation Breakfast, Ag Trivia, dress-up days, and hosting Sub-Districts on Thursday, March 27.

For the first time in chapter history, Western hosted ten schools for the Northwest Sub-Districts. The night came together with the help of many judges, students, parents, and other volunteers. 34 Western students competed.

On Saturday, March 7, 25 Western students completed at Districts at Sibley-Ocheyedan. Here is a recap of the results:

• Secretary’s Book: Emily Fedders: Gold Alternate to State

• Treasurer’s Book: Levi Schreurs: Silver

• Reporters Book: Abby Schmidt: Silver

• Chapter Website: Lauren Vander Plaats: Bronze

• Creed: Hayden Van De Stroet: Gold

• Extemporaneous Speaking: Maggie Kats: Silver

• Floriculture: Aubrey Kooima (4th) and Darcy Alons (5th) received Gold, Abby Schmidt, Emily Fedders, and Sydney VanderPol earned silvers.

• Nursery Landscape: Jenna Dibbet(2nd) & Dana DeStigter. Jenna received gold, and Dana received a bronze.

• Meats Judging: Isaac Alexander & Marcus Aaron. Isaac received a silver and Marcus a bronze.

• Ag Mech teams: Kyler VanVoorst, Ethan VanMaanen, Sawyer Pollema, Dolan Van De Stroet, Colt Hofman, and Conner Sybesma. Van De Stroet placed 10th as an individual, while other team members received silver and bronzes.

As we head into the Spring, the chapter is excited to finish the year strong at the State Competitions and slowly but surely fill the Greenhouse!

Mrs. Kylie Nettinga

Did you pay Iowa income taxes this year?

Next year would you like to have your Iowa income taxes go to Western Christian to help families with their tuition obligations and help pay down the debt we have on our building at the same time?

NICSTO allows you to do this with a 65% tax-credit. Two examples.

1. If you have an Iowa income tax liability of $650, you could give $1,000 to NICSTO which would then provide Western Christian with $1,000 to be used for tuition assistance. Then when you do your tax work in March/April you will receive a tax-credit of $650 from the state of Iowa. You could then give this $650 refund to Western Christian to help pay down the debt on our school. Western Christian benefits by $1,650 from your gift of $1,000 and you pay no Iowa state income tax. Two gifts in one!

2. If you are at least 70 ½ years old we encourage you to give from your IRA (you may even use your RMD) to NICSTO. If you give $1,000 from your IRA you don’t need to include it as taxable income on your return, If you are in the 15% tax bracket you save $150 in taxes you owe to the IRS plus what you save in Iowa taxes. Western Christian receives that $1,000 for tuition assistance AND you will receive a state income tax credit of $650 that you can use to help Western Christian pay down the debt on its building.

Two gifts in one!

3. If you have questions, feel free to contact Wes Fopma at Western or check with your tax preparer.

ATTENTION

To receive a tax credit in 2020, please complete the form below and return it with your check. Available tax credits are limited by Iowa law (Checks received after NICSTO reaches it limit will be returned).

This completed memo must accompany your

Fast Facts

Pack!

• Mrs. Nice’s FaithPack decided to continue to bless The Family Crisis Center when they heard the center needed toilet paper. They came together to purchase as much as they could and brought it to the center in February.

• A favorite unit each semester for Senior Speech students is when they visit Hull Christian and share a children’s story. They always have a captive audience.

• Mackelle Grevengoed, a senior, won a $500 scholarship from the city of Hull for her slide presentation on how Hull could encourage more people to move to the city of Hull.

• The Western Christian Society Meeting was held on Febuary 19 in the Events Center. Board President John Vander Haag opened with devotions, Wes Fopma, Development Director, gave a report of his work, Brian Verwolf delivered a State of the School report, Joe Bakker, Director of Online Education at Dordt University gave an update on Dual Credit opportunities for our students, and Connie Grevengoed, Business Manager presented the proposed budget for the 2020-2021 school year. The meeting was well attended as there are many exciting things happening at Western that constituents wanted to hear more about.

Children’s Story at Hull Christian

Mackelle Grevengoed

Vander Haag

Exchange Program

Eleven students were chosen this past fall to participate in the Exchange Program with Greijdanus College, in the Netherlands, and also with The King’s School West Rand in South Africa.

This was to be the third year for students to travel to the Netherlands for three weeks. This was a trip the students were eagerly anticipating. However, due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control, the exchange was not able to take place on the set days of March 13-April 3.

The trip to South Africa was also canceled. This exchange was to be an exciting new partnership, and Western, Lord willing, will be hosting students from South Africa in September. Michael and Megan Ribbons, graduates of WCHS, who are missionaries in the area and send their children to the King’s School West Rand have been assisting with this program Megan wrote, “We are so excited about this crosscultural exchange! We can’t wait to help welcome fellow Iowans to our world here in South Africa and for South Africans to get a glimpse of our corner of the world in Iowa!”

Please be in prayer for the students who worked hard on raising funds for their trip and now face this disappointment.

Netherlands Students: Cassie Van Otterloo, Aubrey Kooima, Rachel Covey, Brandon Kamstra, Keaton Heemskerk, and Jamie De Kam

South Africa: Shega Heitritter, Courtney Kollis, Abby Postma, Ashlee Groeneweg, and Allison Postma

Prayer and Praise

Please lift your praise to God for . . .

• Filled positions for the upcoming school year. We specifically give praise for Mr. Jerry DeGroot accepting the position to teach upper-level math. Mr. De Groot brings years of experience and also a deep love of teaching how Mathematics fits into God’s world. “I believe that mathematics shows the beauty and orderliness in creation that points so clearly to the Creator. ‘He is before all things, and in Him, all things hold together’ (Colossians 1:17). Welcome to our Learning Community, Mr. Jerry DeGroot!

• The many chapel speakers who have challenged our students in their walk with Christ, especially for our two leaders of Spiritual Emphasis week, Steven Harrison and Steve Blom.

• The announcement of upcoming births to our teaching faculty this summer. Mr. Brandon Broersma and wife Alexa are awaiting the birth of their first child. Mr. Broersma teaches in our Social Studies Dept. Mrs. Katie Reitsma, and husband Tony, will be adding their third child to their family. Mrs. Reitsma teaches in our Family Life / Science Dept.

• The positive response from the students after UnPlugged Days.

• A mild winter and safe travels for all students.

• The 35 plus students who have made the commitment to be a part of the Pro-Life Pack at Western Christian.

• Recognition of the 100 years of Western Christian providing a Christ-Centered Education by our State Government. On March 4th, Mr. Brian Verwolf, Mr. Wes Fopma, and former Board President Mr. Kevin Gesink spent time at our State Capitol visiting with Rep. Skyler Wheeler and Senator Randy Feenstra.

Please lift your prayers to God for . . .

• The rising health concerns for our country and the world. Grant everyone patience and keep us safe.

• All of our students who are anxious in this time of uncertainty. Be with them and help them to draw closer to you Lord, as they feel isolated from friends. Be with the staff and guide them in their new normal of instruction.