THE BELL
A Publication of Zeeland Christian School
Page 5 MI S S IO N:PO SS IB L E
Your Mission Should You Choose to Accept It...
Pa g e 6-8 Re t i re m e n t S p o t l i g h t s
Pa g e 15 CON GR AT ULAT I ON S 8 t h Gra d e C l a ss
SUMMER 2019
Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
Notes from Leadership
5
Charitable Giving
6-8
Retirement Spotlight
10 11
Overcoming the Impawssible Blessing Of Preschool
13
Incredible New Staff
17 2019 ZCS Graduating Class
Contributors Peter Jenkins - Content Director Tom Joustra - Editor Mariah Nelesen - Graphic Design Alex Sixt - Writer/Project Manager Selena Van Klompenberg Graphic Design/Photography/ Layout
2018-2019 THEME:
ANCHOR IN THE STORM
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
“ We are a Broom Tree Community.”
This is the answer I’ll often give when someone asks me about Zeeland Christian School. Without fail, my answer is returned with a quizzical look, giving me a chance to explain about Elijah, the searing heat of the desert, a scrawny shrub, and a school impacting the world with Christ’s love. In 1 Kings 19, Elijah is fleeing Queen Jezebel, knowing if he’s caught he’ll face near-certain death. He runs a full day into the wilderness, coming to a broom tree and hoping to die. He says, “I have had enough, Lord. Take my life; let me die.” He falls asleep, awakened by an angel with food and water. The angel says, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” Elijah was experiencing the depths of fatigue and discouragement many of us can relate to. Many of us know what it’s like to be in the searing heat of the desert. The broom tree doesn’t look like much, but in the heat of the desert, it can mean life or death. It’s not a long-term solution, but it’s enough for the moment. For over 100 years, Zeeland Christian has sought to be a Broom Tree Community. We equip students to enter the world and impact it for Christ. Our students don’t have the solution to every problem, but they leave Zeeland Christian with a desire to be shade in the desert for someone in need. Additionally, ZCS is a community where all students find a place to belong. So, as Christian parents and Christian educators, we keep this vision in front of us as we take on this awesome task. We have the privilege of nurturing students through this process, speaking truth into their lives, surrounding them with our support, seeing challenges as opportunities for them to grow, and always leaning heavily on our Lord Jesus Christ. As I’ve learned and you already know, Zeeland Christian School is a special place. Thank you to each of you for the way you love and support this amazing community. Let’s continue to work together for the good of our students and for the glory of God!
PSALM 46:1
Tim McAboy, Head of School 2 | The Bell
From Leadrship
“My hope is for ZCS to offer academically rigorous, Christcentered education at an affordable rate. I pray that through faith and empathy development, data-informed instruction, and relational connectedness, ZCS students will graduate equipped to step into their post-ZCS journey with purpose, compassion, and skills.” Betsy Koop, Incoming Board President My journey with Zeeland Christian School (ZCS) began almost 95 years ago. My (currently) 99-year-old grandmother, Genevieve Huizenga, attended ZCS as a child, eventually sending her children to ZCS as well, including my father who eventually served on the school board for many years. I attended ZCS as a student from preschool through 8th grade. Some of my most memorable experiences include participating in the Special Olympics alongside a kindergarten buddy in the inclusion program, attending middle school camps, and serving on a middle school leadership team. After graduating from Hope College, I moved overseas and taught in Honduras for a few years. While living there, I was contacted by Nancy Pyle, Preschool Director, who invited me to consider teaching at ZCS in the Spanish immersion program. During this time, ZCS hosted Adan, a Honduran student staying in West Michigan to receive and recover from multiple surgeries through the organization Healing the Children. Stacey VandenBosch, a pioneer in Spanish immersion program at ZCS, became close with Adan and accompanied him back to Honduras upon the completion of his stay. They stayed with me in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and I was thrilled to learn about so many amazing things happening in the ZCS community. Shortly after, I accepted a position to return home and teach at the school the following year.
For five years, I taught in the second-grade Spanish immersion program. I also had the privilege of serving as a leader on the language arts curriculum committee and helping in other leadership roles. Over the years, I loved having the opportunity to work alongside the passionate teachers and leaders at ZCS as well as many others across the country. In 2016, I was invited to join the search committee for our new Head of School. That proved to be an incredible experience in which we spent much time meeting with students, parents, faculty members, staff members, and other society members as well as interviewing top notch candidates, including our incredible Mr. Tim McAboy. Most importantly, I get to experience ZCS as a parent. What a gift it is to see such amazing teachers and leaders pour into our son and to watch him learn and grow at ZCS. Almost two years ago, I joined the ZCS School Board of Directors (BOD), where I’ve had the honor of serving as the vice-chair of the board and as the chair of the Education Committee. I’m grateful to bring years of experience to the BOD in the education space, and for the opportunity to collaborate with students, parents, teachers, school leaders, and stakeholders in schools locally and across the country. I am eager to do the same at ZCS in order to further its mission to Love God, Love Kids, and Love Learning. In my opinion, the greatest strength of ZCS is how actively its people live into the mission to Love God, Love Kids and Love Learning (in that order). There is a strong unity between the “who” and the “what”. Teachers, staff members, leadership team members, and the BOD are constantly reminded that the first priority is to love and pursue God, and from there comes the ability to love kids well and offer the best possible learning experience for each of them. It is very exciting to become the first female to serve as Board President as it serves as one more small example of women in key leadership positions moving from novelty to norm, which I believe is an important message for all students. My hope is for ZCS to offer academically rigorous, Christ-centered education at an affordable rate. I pray that through faith and empathy development, data-informed instruction, and relational connectedness, ZCS students will graduate equipped to step into their post-ZCS journey with purpose, compassion, and skills. Summer 2019 | 3
MISSION:POSSIBLE
Your mission should you choose to accept it… Zeeland Christian School is in desperate need of your help. The roof is leaking, boilers are breaking down, fire-alarms are outdated, and bathrooms haven’t been updated in 70 years. Will you help us remain debt free by giving a gift or making a pledge before June 30? You can mail a check or give easily online at www.zcs. org/give. The total cost of the MISSION:POSSIBLE facilities repairs and upgrades needed over the next two years is $897,000. Members of the ZCS society have already pledged $430,000, which means our need sits at $467,000. We need your help to complete the mission. Would you consider making a sacrificial two-year pledge towards these needed upgrades? Upon completing a tour of the perceived needs, Chuck Geenen, ZCS grandparent x4 and co-owner of Holland-based GDK Construction commented, “It’s nothing extravagant. These are needed updates.” Another way you can make a significant impact on Zeeland Christian is by setting up a monthly donation to these crucial projects. Complete this mission online at www.zcs.org/give and write MISSION SUCCESS in the comment section. These upgrades will enhance the safety and security of our students and improve student learning environments. We are a debt-free school thanks to the generosity of you and other members of the ZCS society. Our goal is to remain debt free through the completion of these projects, but we can only do that with your help. You will receive a pledge card and return envelope in the mail mid-June which you can use to setup a pledge or mail a one-time gift. Right now you can quickly give online at www.zcs.org/give. Will you accept your mission and consider
a gift today?
4 | The Bell
Charitable Giving
Charitable Giving – What’s in Your Tool Bag? By: Eric Gritter of Strategic Financial Group
Winter is finally in the rearview mirror (all 10 school snow days with it), summer is around the corner, the lake beckons, and… Tax Day is finally behind us. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) brought many changes to individual and corporate tax rates, personal exemptions and deductions, as well as the estate tax and much more. One of the most widely-felt effects of the TCJA was the nearly doubling of the standard deduction. So, what does all this have to do with charitable giving? In short, there are two ways to file your taxes – you can take a standard deduction, or you can itemize if the total amount of those deductions (such as charitable giving) is higher. When the TCJA increased the standard deduction from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals and $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples, the result was many more people taking the standard deduction. Here are three distinct tools to consider having in your charitable giving tool bag in light of these tax changes. Tool #1: Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). If you are 70 ½ or older and have assets in an IRA that requires you to take minimum distributions every year, you might consider making a direct gift from your IRA to the charity of your choice through a QCD (up to $100,000 per year). This not only satisfies your RMDs for the current tax year, but it also allows you to reduce your taxable income even if you are no longer able to itemize your taxes due to the higher standard deduction. Tool #2: Donor Advised Funds (DAF). For anyone of any age, if you are on the border of itemizing this year, you could consider “pre-funding” your giving for next year into a DAF account. Any contributions to a DAF count toward your charitable giving for the current tax year. However, you maintain control over the amount and timing of dispersing those funds to your preferred charitable organizations. Tool #3: Highly Appreciated Assets. Equity markets have risen substantially over the last decade. If you hold stocks or mutual funds, many charitable organizations such as ZCS will accept those assets in-kind. The value of the asset would count toward your itemized deductions, but you would avoid paying the capital gains tax by gifting the asset directly (as opposed to selling and giving the cash). Hopefully this provided a few additional tools for you to consider using as you build out the charitable giving room in your financial dream house. If this piece created more questions than answers for you regarding your charitable goals, please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself or Peter Jenkins for more information as to how Zeeland Christian can be a part of those goals. As always, you should consult your tax professional before making any specific tax-related decisions. Eric Gritter is an investment advisor representative of, with advisory services and securities offered through USA Financial Securities. Member FINRA/SIPC. A Registered Investment Advisor located at 6020 E. Fulton St., Ada, MI 49301. Strategic Financial Group is not affiliated with USA Financial Securities.
Summer 2019 | 5
Retirement Spotlight
RETIREMENT SPOTLIGHT John Buteyn As I reflect on 40 years in education, I am thankful for the many experiences and interactions that have shaped who I am as a person and an educator. The last 29 years at Zeeland Christian have been such valuable times of growth as a teacher and a leader. When I began my career in 1979 at Rochester (NY) Christian School as a thirdgrade teacher, I would never have imagined the path that I would walk professionally over the next years. I have loved the opportunities that I have had to teach and create relationships with so many students over the years. Although our job as teachers is to affect the lives of kids, I believe that I have benefitted and been impacted by those interactions and relationships as well. There is a lot of energy needed to teach, but I have often found myself encouraged and energized by my interactions with kids. There has been great joy in creating and teaching lessons, planning and leading camps, leading student trips, and daily conversations with kids all within an environment of Christian faith. Teaching has allowed me to never have two days alike in 40 years of education. Although I never aspired to move out of the classroom and into leadership roles, I appreciate the opportunities that I have had to lead over these last years while still maintain daily teaching responsibilities. It has been a joy to work alongside people who genuinely do love God, love kids, and love to learn. The leadership, teachers, and support staff at ZCS have been excellent models of what Christians in the education field should be. It has been a blessing for me to be at ZCS for these last 29 years. Thank you to the ZCS community for the opportunity to serve here and for the support that you have shown me. My prayer is that Zeeland Christian continues to be a school community where God is honored in everything and where all students are included, loved, and accepted.
My prayer is that Zeeland Christian continues to be a school community where God is honored in everything and where all students are included, loved, and accepted. 6 | The Bell
Home is Where the...
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS After teaching for three decades, there have been many moments for Mary Ellen in which her students have, in exchange, brought the lessons to her. Every child is unique, she says, and their various backgrounds bring about distinct gifts in each one of them. To her, it is essential that she recognizes the factors that make up each and every student. A child who struggles in the classroom may flourish as a leader during playground games or an artist in the studio. Their experiences shape their talents, and Mary Ellen believes that when students come together in a classroom, it becomes a community with many gifts to share. Jen Leenstra, third-grade teacher and coworker of seven years, can attest to Mary Ellen’s dedication to her students. “Her love for ZCS and her students runs deep,” affirms Jen. “Most importantly, her trust in her Savior is obvious and evident in the way she teaches.” Jesus has been an intrinsic part of third-grade teacher Mary Ellen Van Dyk’s life since as long as she can remember. Growing up in Grand Rapids, Mary Ellen attended a few Christian schools, eventually enrolling at Calvin College. When she began her schooling at Calvin, she realized her desire to become a teacher. After 26 years of teaching at Zeeland Christian School (ZCS) and her retirement nearing, Mary Ellen reflects on how she has brought her passion for teaching to life in the many classrooms of ZCS she has touched.
Mary Ellen’s teaching experience began in Highland, Indiana, where she taught second grade before starting her family. Years later, she and her husband found their home in Zeeland as their youngest child was in second grade. When her husband, Bill Van Dyk, was hired as principal and their children began attending ZCS, Mary Ellen’s passion for teaching was reignited. Zeeland Christian had become her family’s second home, and she was eager to join the staff. She started as an assistant in the CLC (Inclusion) program for six years and then began teaching third grade. For the past 19 years, Mary Ellen has had experience in both third and fourth grade, but insists third grade is where her heart beats most. Her motivation to teach the Word of God can be traced back to the year 2000, during a two-week journey to Israel which is where the third-grade curriculum originates from. Today, she continues to pass on the knowledge she acquired from her trip through activities in the classroom. Her daughter and ZCS Support Services Teacher Maria Klompmaker admires how her mother brings stories from her trip alive in her class. “She has taken those lessons and passed them on to her students over the years,” says Maria. “One example is how she takes her class to the standing stone in the front entry to do devotions there and learn of the significance of the standing stone.” These teachings along with others have had a significant impact on her students’ understanding of the Bible and prayer itself. Mary Ellen noted that a favorite experience of hers is witnessing the eight and nine-year-olds’ persistence in prayer and their patience as they humbly talk to God for the healing of others.
As Mary Ellen’s time at ZCS comes to an end, many will miss her presence in the classroom. However, her impact on both teachers and students alike will linger long after retirement. Fellow teachers express their gratitude for her consistent words of encouragement and expertise that guided them. Tim McAboy, ZCS Head of School, is thankful to have had both Mary Ellen and her husband’s help during his transition to ZCS. “They love Zeeland Christian with their whole hearts, and their impact here will be felt for generations to come,” he gratefully remarks. The love is mutual for Mary Ellen, who says she will miss the many years of laughter and prayer. She is so grateful for finding her heart and second home within the walls of ZCS, fondly remarking, “We love God, we love kids, and we love learning.”
“We love God, we love kids, and we love learning.” Summer 2019 | 7
Christ-Centered Career
A Christ-Centered Career
For Vicki Bouman, ZCS Reading Support Specialist, being a life long learner is an opportunity to explore the world that God created. As a part of the staff at Zeeland Christian for 20 years, she has been able to experience many lessons herself. Through friendship and support of her colleagues and students, she has rejoiced in their challenges and success as they grow along with her. ZCS has been a part of Vicki’s life beyond her years as a staff member; her four daughters attended from kindergarten to eighth grade and her husband Steve taught for 33 years at ZCS. The ZCS community has been a blessing to her, and she can attest to the caring, loving atmosphere that exists in the school every day. “Knowing that God is at the center of the lives of our staff is very evident,”, Bouman says.
8 | The Bell
Vicki imparts words of encouragement and motivates others to discover the world and the many intricacies within God’s creation. She wills others to be daring to step out in faith and seize the opportunities the world offers, and affirms, “God has a plan for your life, seek to serve Him to the fullest.”
“God has a plan for your life, seek to serve Him to the fullest.”
In Memoriam
IN MEMORIAM MEMORIAL DONORS
BETH DEHAAN Del and Muriel Arendsen Glenn and Susan Cherup Thomas and Ruth Gritter
January 2019 - April 2019
Mary Kamps Bruce Sanders Doug and Dawn Terpstra
Brenda Shook
Viola Engbers Anonymous Jeff and Kathy Disher Bob and Ruth Eekhoff Eric & Brenda Goodale Doug and Mary-Jo Iverson Pamela Vander Molen Don and Rita Van Maanen Larry and Carolyn McKeever Edward and Joyce Zylstra
Alice Gruessing Bruce and Elaine De Pree Wendy Hammond Charlie McTavish Dale Prebyterian James Schaap Cornelia Steenwyk Jennifer and John Tenpas Audrey Veldhof
Carrie Kiekover William and Kay Bolman Chris and Nancy Bos Harvey Kiekover Gordon and Karen Van Haitsma
Ivan Van Koevering Del and Muriel Arendsen Marie Blauwkamp Robert and Cindy Dozeman John and Gesine Horsting Jerry and Shar Mannes Gary and Carol Osterman Gene and Joyce Van Koevering
Dennis Walters Mark and Janella Hop
Rich and Sheri Brolick Mark Broxon Wilma Busscher Deanne Colledge Ken De Bruyn Michael and Kathy Faber Richard and Andrea Grazzini Larry and Carol Homkes Stan and Jayne Konynenbelt Sawyer Nursery Randall Walters
Joan Zwagerman Roger and Janet Hathcock Howard and Marianne Hoeksema Harris Hoezee Dennis and Angeline Vanden Heuvel Rick and Carol Zuverink
Summer 2019 | 9
The Impawssible
Overcoming the Im(paw)ssible Sherri Tibbe
Something is roaming the hallways of Zeeland Christian School (ZCS), and it’s not students eager for spring! This January, West Michigan Therapy Dogs visited the classrooms of ZCS to assist students who have difficulty with reading among other areas. This idea comes from Sherri Tibbe, Elementary Reading Support teacher, who believes that dogs can have a calming effect on students as they work to improve their reading skills. Sherri always wanted to be a teacher at a Christian School to spread the love of God to children and bring them closer to their Savior. When her children became students at ZCS, she found herself with the opportunity to begin a teaching position at the school. She admired the excellent education at the school, particularly in the reading program and felt excited to become a teacher to support students as they grew their reading awareness. 22 years later, she has found a furry solution to the everyday stressors that learning can bring on. The idea to blend therapy dogs with reading had been in Sherri’s mind for a while. When a ZCS parent connected her with an Area Coordinator of West Michigan Therapy Dogs, she was able to transform her idea into a reality for students. West Michigan Therapy Dogs is a non-profit organization that partners with schools, hospitals, and the like to give support while promoting healing utilizing furry friends. Soon after, the Ruff Readers program was born, and seven teams visit ZCS the first-grade classrooms twice a month for two hours, sitting with students as they read stories of all kinds.
10 | The Bell
Blessings of Preschool
Blessings of Preschool Nancy Pyle, Preschool Director
The youngest learners at Zeeland Christian bring a lot of energy to our school, and we wouldn’t want it any other way! One of the highlights of each week in preschool is our worship time. Each class attends one of 3 different worship times during the week to sing, pray, and talk about God together with other preschoolers. It is beautiful to watch these little ones lifting their hearts up to God in worship! Throughout the week, over 250 preschool students cycle in and out of our 7 classrooms at ZCS and our preschool classroom at Drenthe Church, almost all on part-time schedules. Our preschool staff understands the privilege we have to teach and care for our young students. We know the great responsibility we carry when parents bring their children to us, often for their first school experience. We are privileged to walk alongside parents as they guide, encourage, and support their learners at home.
A hidden blessing in the preschool wing at ZCS is our Extended Care program. Extended Care offers childcare for students in three school through 5th grade every day between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. This program offers flexibility to working parents and those who just can’t quite fit the half day of preschool into their family’s schedule. There are many families who would find it hard to enroll their kids at ZCS if they didn’t have the option of childcare surrounding the school day. The families who utilize this service know what a huge blessing it is!
If you wander through our preschool classrooms, you’ll notice vital learning happening at this young age. The teachers are intentional about teaching children how to engage with classmates, manage emotions, use questioning, problem solve, use manners, as well as the traditional skills you might expect children learn: letters, writing, counting, colors, shapes, and more. So much learning happens over the course of one year in preschool! Summer 2019 | 11
At a glance
End of the Year at a Glance May 3: Fun Night May 8: ½ Day *Tulip Time* Busing available AM and PM May 9: NO PM Busing *Hot Lunch will be served* May 10: NO PM Busing *Hot Lunch will be served* May 18: ZCS Zip May 20: Middle School Spring Choral Concert - 7:00 pm (Community Reformed) May 23-24: Last Day of Threeschool/Preschool (Park Parties) May 23: Eighth Grade Class Trip May 27: Memorial Day vacation/Parade May 28: Students Return May 30: Retirement Open House, ZCS Media Center 4-6:00 pm June 3: Family Games (June 5 rain date) June 4: Eighth Grade Banquet June 6: Sixth and Seventh Grade Class Trips June 6: End of Semester/School Year
12 | The Bell
New Staff
Summer 2019 | 13
#ourZCSstory
our ZCS story
14 | The Bell
#ourZCSstory
our ZCS story
Summer 2019 | 15
8th Grade Class
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Congratulations
Congratulations to our ZCS 8th Grade Graduating Class
Joel Antkoviak Lauren Apotheker Ava Bartels Mitchell Boerman Madison Bos Kayson Bosma Hannah Boss Riley Brower Kalissa Brus Kyle Cannon Kayla Cannon Andrew Chesser Jed Comden Elise Dannenberg Lydia DeBlecourt Sam DeBoer Claire Dekievit Aidan Delcalzo Elizabeth DenBleyker Kaylie DeYoung Hope DuBois Bella Dykstra Sophia Elders Parker Fenton Lauren Fischer Noah Freriks Alyssa Gerritsma Clara Gruessing Jayce Gruppen Levi Haak Ethan Hertgers Chase Holwerda Ashlyn Horan Luke Hulsman Ashley Hunderman Zeke Hutt
Alaina Iford Lily Johnson Sam Knot Sydney Koning Abi Kraal Aiden Leenstra Isabel Leys Spencer Lincicum Nolan Mannes Myla Meyaard Carley Meyer Samantha Meyer Anna Muma Natalie Nyhof Lilly Nyland Kylie Nyland James Oosterhouse Tristan Overway Andrew Pacanowski Michael Pierce Josh Ribbens Jaiden Sall Kate Schemper Isaac Shaeffer Kendal Sills Anna Slenk Heidi Spahr Brookelyn Spooner Trey Sytsema Elijah Tillmann Noah Tinholt Greta Traver Ainsley VandenBrink Jenna VandenBrink Sophia VanderBeek Ryan VanderVeen Gina VanderZwaag Eva VanKlompenberg Olivia VanVliet
Jensy VanVliet Alyson Vikstrom Carley Visser Serafina Wagenveld Gavin Wiersma Zack Wilmot Kathryn Wilmot Spencer Wisdom Isaac Wolters Joshua Woolsey
20 19 Summer 2019 | 17
#ourZCSstory
18 | The Bell
#ourZCSstory
Summer 2019 | 19
ZEELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 334 W CENTRAL AVENUE ZEELAND, MI 49464
Eric Gritter
is your Financial Advisor! • Financial Planning • Investment Management • Social Security Strategies • Retirement Income Planning • Insurance & Risk Management • Legacy Planning
Eric Gritter, CFA®
Financial Advisor & Portfolio Strategist
(616) 935-7400 • eg@strategicfg.net www.strategicfg.net Eric Gritter is an investment advisor representative of, with advisory services and securities offered through USA Financial Securities. Member FINRA/ SIPC. A Registered Investment Advisor located at 6020 E. Fulton St., Ada, MI 49301. Strategic Financial Group is not affiliated with USA Financial Securities. “Plan Smart, Retire Smart” is a trademark of Strategic Financial Group.
Zeeland Christian School 334 W Central Ave Zeeland, MI 49464 P 616.772.2609 zcs.org
