THE BELL UPDATE FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD PG. 24-26 .
BUILD, SHARE, PASS IT ON PG. 20
#OURZCSSTORY PG. 12-13
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT PG. 14-15 “I GREW UP WITH INCLUSIVE EDUCATION, WHICH HELPED ME NOT BE AFRAID OF PEOPLE WHO ARE DIFFERENT FROM ME”
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STAFF Editor: PETER JENKINS Direction: PETER JENKINS Art Direction: SELENA VAN KLOMPENBERG Photography: SELENA VAN KLOMPENBERG Coordination: PETER JENKINS Graphic Designer: SELENA VAN KLOMPENBERG Writers: MEGAN SMITH, LANDON GERRITSMA, ANN HEMMEKE, KRISTA BROWER, NOEL SPRICK Editors: ELIZABETH ALIA, TOM JOUSTRA
Board of Directors: TOM BOUWENS GEOFFERY BREMER KRISTA BROWER, VICE PRESIDENT JEFF DORNBOS ANN HEMMEKE BETSY KOOP, PRESIDENT CHRIS LAMER, TREASURER STEVE LANGELAND CRAIG OOSTERHOUSE TRAVIS SENIK SHANDA SPRICK LISA TIMMER BRIAN VANDEN BRINK Administration: MIKE ARENDSEN, DIR. OF FINANCE & OPS. CHUCK COMMERET, MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL STACY DETERS, DIR. OF SUPPORT SERVICES PETER JENKINS, DIR. OF ADVANCEMENT TIM MCABOY, HEAD OF SCHOOL KARLY MORIN, DIR. OF LEARNING INNOVATION TRACY NELESEN, OFFICE MANAGER JODI PIERCE, DIRECTOR OF IMMERSION NANCY PYLE, PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR SHERRI TIBBE, ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL
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A NOTE FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL We are excited to announce a new Zeeland Christian School logo! This new logo represents the values ZCS has always held dear while bringing a fresh and vibrant look and feel to our school. Throughout the entire history of our school, a flame has been present in each of our four logos. It symbolizes both the Word of God being “a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105) and the Holy Spirit who manifested in the form of a flame at Pentecost.
are represented in the Shema Prayer we pray after every staff devotion and Board meeting, and the three languages taught in our school. The circle encompassing the flame represents the all-encompassing love of Christ and the inclusion of every student. Regardless of the need, we strive to be a school in which every child is not only enrolled but fully included. Our students are growing to be adults who understand that our communities are better when everyone is welcome.
In addition, we recognize there’s a fire that burns in the hearts and minds of every student, educator, and faculty member at Zeeland Christian School. It’s a fire that drives us to be more innovative, more inclusive, and better servants with every action we take. It’s a God-given fire that burns in all of us, and for all of us, it burns bright.
We continue to celebrate the good work God has done here and look forward to even better things in the years ahead. These are great days at Zeeland Christian School, where the love of Christ burns bright. Sincerely,
There are intentionally three sections to this image of a flame to symbolize the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the trichotomy of our heart, soul, and might which
Tim McAboy Head of School
It’s a God-given fire that burns in all of us, and for all of us, it burns bright.
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ZCS TEACHER SPOTLIGHT
old Hannah, 4-year-old Nicole, and 2-year-old Emily. Alex and his wife met each other in China, when Kristi was there as a missionary, serving as an English teacher. Growing up in a non-Christian family in China, Alex did not come to know God until later in his life. The school he was working for at the time provided Chinese language and cultural skills to the Westerners who were hoping to preach the gospel as a mission in China. His students were Christians from all over the world, and he found himself becoming drawn to knowing God. He became deeply impressed with what his students were teaching him in terms of loving others, and their overall thought process, and felt completely changed.
Written by: Megan Smith, ZCS Parent to Eli & Miles
Alex Zhou teaches sixth and seventh-grade Mandarin Immersion at Zeeland Christian School. He has been married to his wife, Kristi, for 11 years. Keeping them busy, are four daughters, 9-year-old Samantha, 6-year-
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ALEX ZHOU to share his faith freely and thrives working at a place where Jesus Christ is the focus of it all. Attending all school chapel is exceptionally special for him, as he takes great joy in worshiping God with coworkers, parents, grandparents, and students. Outside of Alex’s life at ZCS, you will find him cooking traditional Chinese food for his family at home, playing with and reading books to his daughters, and sometimes staying up all night reading a good book. If that isn’t enough to keep Alex busy, he is currently in his 3rd year pursuing his Masters in Curriculum Instruction at Calvin University. He also spends countless summer hours translating the Bible for future lessons. Overall, Alex hopes that he can influence his students to keep their eyes and minds open to explore. There is so much going on in this great big world, and he always encourages curiosity. In the years to come, Alex visualizes his students using their language skills in other countries, living their lives, working at jobs, but ultimately, utilizing their skills to spread God’s Word.
He eventually started attending Bible study and church services, which led to fully committing himself to Christ. It’s now been six years since Alex and his family moved to the U.S. With his in-laws located in Grand Haven, the Holland/Zeeland area was an attractive landing spot for the Zhous. A young couple at their church happened to be teaching at ZCS at that time and introduced Alex to the school. Alex has now been teaching at Zeeland Christian School for three years. The Christ-centered community and kind and caring people are some of the reasons he loves being part of this school. Alex loves getting
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COMPETITIVE CHEER Seventh grader, Noel Sprick, has enjoyed her time on the West Ottawa competitive cheer team. The Panthers invited Holland Christian and Zeeland Christian students to join with them. Noel was elected Co-Captain and has enjoyed the competitions. The season ran from the end of October through mid-January. Her last meet was Saturday, January 18. Go Panthers! By: Noel Sprick, 7th grader at ZCS
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FOOTLOCKER MIDWEST REGIONAL CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
Two Zeeland Christan students had the opportunity to participate in the Footlocker Midwest Regional Cross Country Championships. The meet took place in Kenosha, WI, over Thanksgiving break.
Landon Gerritsma and Jacob Nicely, along with nine Holland Christan students, took second place as a team in the Youth Race. The conditions were very muddy and cold. The boys decided to use athletic tape around their shoes so that they would not get pulled off in the mud.
The tape did the job and no one lost a shoe on the steep hills. The boys are looking forward to a promising season this fall and also would encourage more ZCS students to join the cross country team.
By: Landon Gerritsma, 6th grader at ZCS
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ZCS TEACHER SPOTLIGHT
Morgan Swartz Written by Megan Smith, ZCS Parent Morgan Swartz started teaching at Zeeland Christian School 7 years ago, right after graduating from the teaching program at Calvin College. The first time walking into ZCS, she knew it was where she is meant to be. Immediately feeling God’s presence all around, she saw how special the school was right away. Before Morgan became a teacher, she spent seven years volunteering for Ada Bible’s Lifeline program. During this time, she worked with young girls during their middle school and high school years. She
was able to mentor and guide them, helping them navigate through difficulties. Morgan also felt God was using these experiences to shape her heart as well. Morgan’s appreciation of Christian education and her love of working with children was the perfect combination to fuel her desire to teach. Her appetite for traveling and exploring new places has dramatically influenced her growth in her faith and relationship with God. Morgan enjoys using maps, culture, and history to teach God’s brilliance. A love of strategy board games provides a fun twist in her teaching approach. Incorporating board games into her classroom allows her students to have fun together while learning in a non-traditional way. She feels all of this will ignite curiosity and their desire to keep learning.
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Morgan has been married to her husband Jesse for three years. Together they travel, boat, bike, and spend time with family and friends. Morgan doesn’t like to keep her home life separate from her school life, though. One of her favorite yearly rituals is inviting her entire class to her home in Caledonia. It’s there her students share a glimpse of her life and learn the history of her hometown. Morgan has a desire to share God’s great love and provide her students with real experiences that allow them to feel it. Her love for her students and teaching is evident, as it pours out of her with delight. Morgan is eager to teach for many more years at Zeeland Christian School, even seeing herself retiring here one day. Her ZCS story is far from over.
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# O U R Z C S S T O R Y
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“Christian education built an extra firm foundation.” Jenna Vermeer ‘08
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and they offer access to washing machines and dryers, showers, and an ID office where people can get their birth certificates, licenses, and mail.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
The position Jenna applied for and now has at Dégagé is Business Coordinator for Pauls’ Moms’ Cookies. Pauls’ Moms’ Cookies is a small business run by Dégagé as a way to provide funding for their The Open Door Women’s Center ministry where women in crisis can find shelter and assistance. The cookie company also employs women who have graduated from The Open Door Women’s Center program.
Jenna ‘Jongekrijg’ Vermeer’s educational journey is a familiar one in the Holland/Zeeland area. She attended Zeeland Christian School for preschool - 8th grade (Class of ‘08), Holland Christian for high school, and then graduated from Calvin with a degree in Elementary Education. From there, she started teaching 1st-grade at Byron Center Christian School, but every year she would pray and ask God if that’s the direction he wanted for her life. After three years, she felt a call to something very different.
“I have been learning what empowering someone really means,” said Jenna. “It’s so much more than a paycheck for these women. It’s a community to be a part of. Four different stores are now carrying our cookies, and people can place individual orders on our website, paulsmomscookies.org.” Then Jenna lightheartedly said, “I hope it’s okay if I do a shameless plug.”
Jenna felt a calling to work amongst a diverse mix of people, and this led her to Dégagé Ministries in Grand Rapids. Dégagé “offers help and hope to homeless and disadvantaged individuals in our community.” They have a dining room where people can buy affordable meals,
Jenna attributes her family’s experience in the restaurant industry with her interest in this role. Her dad, Harley Jongekrijg, has owned several restaurants, including Wooden Shoe in Holland, and The Farmhouse in Zeeland. “Ordering cookies is the best way people can support and partner with the work happening at Dégagé and Pauls’ Moms’ Cookies. The Lemon Cherry cookie is my favorite.” “My heart has grown for people with less opportunity. I have learned about homelessness and its causes. It’s not all bad choices. A woman I know broke her ankle, had no insurance, and then, because she couldn’t work, lost her apartment.” When asked what role Christian education played in her love for helping people, Jenna responded, “Christian education built an extra firm foundation. My family and church were a part of that as well. But you don’t realize how something you are a part of everyday is slowly changing you over time until you’re old enough to look back on it.” “Being at ZCS created a missional heart in me. I grew up with inclusive education, which helped me not be afraid of people who are different from me, grew my compassion for others, and created more of a servant’s heart - which has led to me experiencing the joy that comes from living like that.” “I feel so fortunate to have the educational experiences I have had. As a kid, you don’t realize how fortunate you are.”
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THANK YOU!
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR DONORS FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT TO ZEELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL! [OCTOBER-DECEMBER] Jason and Laurie Adams Peter and Janice Alberda Stephen and Deborah Albert Betty Alia Daniel Alling Peter and Nancy Antkoviak Tim and Dena Apotheker Earl and Lou Arendsen Maxine Arens Ben and Sarah Ashby Jeff and Mary Ashby Doug and Joan Aukeman Owen and Mary Lou Aukeman Doug and Shelly Baas Brad and Holly Balder Linda Bareman Mark and Beverly Baumann Lorraine Becksfort Dan and Sheryl Beerens Ken and Laurel Beukelman Lloyd and Dianne Bierma David and Kimberly Blaker Denny and Belva Bobeldyk Lyle and Ruth Boerman Terry and Linda Boerman William and Wilma Bogertman William and Kay Bolman Brenda Boonstra David Bos Delbert and Rosemarie Bos Ken and Lois Bosch Kevin Bosch Laverne and Mary Bosch Timothy Bosch Andrew Bosma Ken and Linda Bosma Marcia Bosma David and Heidi Bostrom Kristin Bouman Steve and Vicki Bouman Tom and Teresa Bouwens Brent and Kristyn Bouws John and Beth Bouws John and Bonnie Bouws Joyce Brinkman Larry and Carol Brinks Jeff and Amanda Brouwer Lynn Brouwer Ryan and Jessica Brouwer
Alvin and Muriel Brower Kim Brower Mike and Lori Brower Rod and Sherrie Brower Todd and Jen Brower James and Cheryl Buist Kelly Buist Paul Buiten John and Barb Buteyn Bill and Debbie Bytwork David and Ruth Capestany Chuck and Michelle Commeret Joel and Mandy Cooper Joyce Dark Jodi Dawson Robb and Jodi Dawson Rick and Jan De Boer Gary and Clarissa De Haan Larry and Sandra De Haan Henrietta De Jonge Chris and Pat De Vries Clayton and Kathy De Vries Rick and Elly De Vries Mary De Witt Jason and Martha De Witt Lee and Laura De Witt Steve and Melissa De Witt John and Rhonda De Young John and Janice DeJonge Steve and Kim DeLoof John and Linda Den Bleyker Robert DeNooyer Frank and Bernice Deppe Drew and Deb Deters Dustin and Stacy Deters Dorothy Deters Jason DeWitt John and Emilie DeYoung Helen Dieleman Paul and Kathie Dieleman Brett and Robin Diepenhorst Harold and Sherry Diepenhorst Jeff and Erin Dornbos Dean and Jessica Dozeman Robert and Cindy Dozeman Howard and Evonne Driesenga Bill and Sharon Dryfhout David and Barbara Dykhouse Joe and Heather Dykhuis 16
Robert and Lorrie Dykhuis Norm and Marge Dykman Delwyn and Donna Dykstra Kathryn Dykstra Sheldon and Lynn Dykstra Benjamin Edewaard Jim and Stacy Edewaard Douglas Elenbaas David and Mary Jane Ellens Peter and Laura Elzinga Jim and Rhonda Engelsman Constance Essenburg Richard and Charlene Faber Robert and Stacey Fenton Paul and Brenda Formsma Andrew and Darcy Frank Don and Marianne Fredricks Linda Garvelink Chad and Leah Geenen Chuck and Julie Geenen David and Linda Geerlings Mike and Mary Geerlings Phil and Heather Geerlings Mark and Donna Genzink Russell Genzink Ed and Mary Geskus Marvin Geurink Derel and Cori Glashower Wally Gosaynie Russell and Maribeth Grant Thomas and Ruth Gritter Albert and Elda Haak Matthew and Jill Hamm John and Diana Haskins Joe and Kimberly Haveman George and Mary Heerema Brad and Sara Heeres Jim and Linda Heeres Linda Hemmeke Nelson and Jean Herrema John and Gret Heuvelman Junior and Jean Heyboer Bob and Laurie Hieftje Marvin and Cristine Hinga Harris Hoezee James Holkeboer Gerry and Linda Holmes Matt and Jen Holmes Marlene Holstine
THANK YOU!
Les Hoogland Scott Hoover Ryan and Stephani Hop Almira Huizenga Bill and Natalie Huizenga Keith and Deb Huizenga Rick and Deb Huizenga Robert Huizenga William and Judy Huizenga Anna Hulst Ross and Laura Hunderman Jack Ippel Jon and Joy Ippel Brad and Lindsey Iverson Timothy and Karin Izenbaard Peter and Beth Jenkins Alvin and Muriel Jipping Dorr Johnson Howard and Marian Johnson Rick and Jane Johnson Thelma Johnson Jim and Jan Jonker Paul and Linda Kalkman Robert and Debra Kamp Steve and Deb Kamstra David and Wendi Kapenga Jonathan and Stacey Karel Jason and Molly Kehrer Greg and Laura Keith Paul and Kathy Keyser David and Megan Kiekintveld Rex and Mary Kiekintveld Scott and Sally Kiekintveld John and Shirley Klingenberg Randy and Jane Klingenberg Dan and Maria Klompmaker Tim and Vicki Klynstra Brian and Melissa Knot Harold and Barbara Koning Harv and Sandee Konynenbelt Stan and Jayne Konynenbelt Steve and Joanne Kooi Brian and Cathy Koop Dan and Michelle Koop Steve and Rebecca Kraal Ryan and Allison Kruithof Daniel and Sarah Kuiper Brad and Rebecca Kuipers Gregory and Harriet Kuipers James and Sandy Kuipers Brian and Sue Lamar Jim and Dory Lamer Sherwyn and Melanie Lamer Jim and Flossie Lampen Steve and Kathy Langeland
David and Dianne Langworthy Mike and Cara Larsen Casey and Jodi Lauf Nick and Bev Leegwater Terri Leenstra Timothy Leep Rich and Marcia Lievense Barb Lipinski William and Marybeth Liszewski Kenneth and Carla Louwsma Kim Lowitzki Michael Lubbers Curtis and Jamie Lucas Ronald and Sue Lucas Henry Luten John and Wanda Luurtsema Jeff and Beth Maat Dave and Jan Machiela John and Jan Machiela Tim and April McAboy Louis and Alice Meinema Glenn and Barbara Meyaard Jim and Nancy Meyer Randy and Lynae Meyers Vern and Linda Meyers John and Kathy Miedema Chad and Tricia Miller Phil and Nancy Miller Randy and Dana Moeller Randy and Lori Moeller Mike and Karyl Morin Dale and Susan Mulder Keith Mulder Bob and Sheryl Mulder Ryan and Kimberly Mulder Dave and Leanne Muma Marc and Tracy Nelesen Mariah Nelesen Jim and Marj Newhouse John and Robin Nicely Dave and Deb Nienhuis Elmer and Leona Nyhof Mark and Amanda Nyhof Terry and Kim Nyland Mike and Marcia O’Donnell Jason and Julie Onstott Jared and Rhonda Ortiz Rhonda Ortiz Betty Overbeek Doug and Jackie Overweg Keith and Mary Overweg Marcia Palmbos Seth and Kami Palmer Doug and Carrie Papay Norman and Shirley Pawlitz 17
Gloria Pelon Bob and Kathy Piers Chuck and Sue Plockmeyer David and Ann Pyle Paul and Nancy Pyle Joel and Joy Pyper Gordon Raterink Ken and Barb Rininger Allen and Jeanne Rotman Alison Rugg Loren and Sandy Sall Wayne Sall Pat and Jen Schafer Lynn and Gloria Schipper Don and Ruth Schnakenberg Lloyd and Thea Scholten Mitch and Amy Scholten Steve and Karen Scholten Tim and Lisa Schoonveld Jon and Leesa Schram Ken and Mary Schreur Bruce and Kathy Schrotenboer Jeff and Becky Schrotenboer John and Madelyn Schrotenboer Ray and Sue Schrotenboer Sherri Schut Travis and Corah Senik Donna Skiles Ed and Ruth Slenk Eric and Emily Sloterbeek Ben and Heather Smith Terry and Sue Smith Mark and Ann Sneller Ronald and Valerie Snoeyink Andy and Jenna Spears James and Dana Staat Bob and Jane Steenwyk Cork Steenwyk Bruce and Nicole Stewart Paul and Katie Stewart Doug and Melissa Stob Rick and Sandy Stob Scott and Polly Storteboom Joe and Barb Stuive Sherrie Stuursma Dale and Pamela Tanis Mark and Kelli Ten Haken Al and Mary Ter Haar Brenda Ter Horst Michael and Meribeth Ter Horst Nick and Sarah Terpstra Pete and Ruth Terpstra Ida Terry Angeline Thompson Ron and Sherri Tibbe
THANK YOU!
Arlene Timmer Chris and Jennifer Timmer Gerard and Donna Timmer Lou and Lisa Timmer Mark and Bonnie Timmer Benjamin Timmerman Bradley Timmerman Dave and Wendy Timmerman Mitchel Timmerman Tom and Paula Tinholt Kerry and Vickie Toner Duane and Gaylene Tucker Bill and Judy Van Appledorn Ron and Bonnie Van Dam Russell and Connie Van Dam Dave and Leigh Van Doornik Bill and Mary Ellen Van Dyk Sarah Van Dyk Steve and Kristi Van Dyk Larry and Sandy Van Dyke Kurt and Rebecca Van Gelder John and Rose Van Haitsma Nick and Brittany Van Huis Betty Van Klompenberg Howard and Julie Van Mersbergen Vicki Van Peursem Gene and Shirley Van Rhee Theron and Janice Van Rhee Roger and Betty Van Wyk Brent and Linda Vande Wege Joan Vanden Bosch Bill and Lyn Vanden Bosch Jr Brian and Tammy Vanden Brink Barb Vander Jagt Wes and Denise Vander Lugt Martin Vander Meulen Rod and Margy Vander Ploeg Gary and Mickey Vander Veen Roger and Doreen Vander Veen William and Rita Vander Vliet Andy and Elizabeth Vander Zwaag Brad and Jenny Vander Zwaag Gregg and Monica Vander Zwaag Jim and Pam Vander Zwaag Raynard and Esther VanderLaan Robert and Linda Velderman Norm and Lynn Ver Hage Ron and Ruth Verwys Mark and Christina Vizithum William and Sara (Vizithum) Johnson Scott and Marcia Vlietstra Curtis Vrieland Douglas and Robin Vrieland Travis and Anna Vruggink David and Linda Vugteveen
Garry Wabeke Joan Walcott Keith and Konie Walters Mike Walters Jason Watson Jake and Linda Weeda Marilyn Westenbroek Edward and Jane Westerbeke Wendi Whitaker Ben and Cara Wickstra Chris and Laurie Wierda Elizabeth Wierda Doug and Lucy Wierda Warren and Norma Wierda Julie Wiersema Jake and Betsy Wiersema Donald and Melissa Wire Robert and Stephanie Witteveen Glenn Wyngarden Thomas and Ruth Ysseldyke Chris and Alicia Zandstra Jim and Marilyn Zinger Travis and Mari-Jo Zinger Gary Zuverink James and Suann Zwiers Doug and Vicki Zylstra Ed and Joyce Zylstra James and Marty Zylstra
CHURCHES & BUSINESSES
Advantage Marine Repair Ageless Autos Back To Health Chiropractic Bethany Christian Reformed Church Bethel Christian Reformed Church Brewer’s City Dock, Inc. Christian Evangelical Trust Connan, Inc. De Kock Family Foundation De Nooyer Chevrolet, Inc. Direct Electric Inc. Donkersloot Law Office Drenthe Christian Reformed Church First Christian Reformed Church-Zeeland GDK Construction Graafschap Church Haven Christian Reformed Church Herb and Dottie Keeler Family Foundation Holland Heights Christian Reformed Howard Miller Company Integrity Landscaping Intext Concepts 18
Jean Marie’s Kiekover, Scholma, Shumaker Koele Godfrey Investment Group Landscape Design Services Legal Copy Services Macatawa Radiant Inc Marvin and Jerene De Witt Family Foundation Mikalan Roofing, Inc. Nancy Van Andel Trust Niekerk Christian Reformed Church Noordeloos Christian Reformed Church North Street Christian Reformed Church Peerbolts Inc. Pro-Line Redmon Heating & Cooling Request Foods RG Delivery LLC Ridgeview Industries Ridgeview Landscaping, LLC Third Christian Reformed Church VQuest Properties West Michigan Christian Foundation Zeeland Wood Turning Works
William and Marybeth Liszewski
LOUIS MULDER
Dale and Susan Mulder
ALICE DOORLAG
Andrew Bosma Louis and Alice Meinema
CAROLYN RATERINK Gordon Raterink
ETHEL SCHOLTEN
NANCY ELZINGA
Peter and Janice Alberda Marvin Geurink Dorr Johnson Betty Overbeek Sherri Schut Ida Terry
John and Diana Haskins Angeline Thompson Gene and Shirley Van Rhee
GERRIT SCHREUR
Thomas and Ruth Gritter
KEN WIERSEMA
Owen and MaryLou Aukeman Henrietta De Jonge Julie Wiersema
GENEVIEVE HUIZINGA
Stephen and Deborah Albert Denny and Belva Bobeldyk Lyle and Ruth Boerman Robert DeNooyer Robert and Lorrie Dykhuis Norm and Marge Dykman Mike and Mary Geerlings Lester Hoogland William and Judy Huizenga Thelma Johnson Brian and Cathy Koop Ron and Bonnie Van Dam Joan Walcott Edward and Joyce Zylstra
BOB STRABBING
Bill and Lyn Vanden Bosch JrÂ
MARILYN STAAT
Norman and Shirley Pawlitz 19
MEMORIAL DONORS
JULIE LISZEWSKI
IN MEMORIAM
MEMORIAL
BUILD, SHARE, PASS IT ON My grandma, Nancy Banks, passed away in November of last year. At her funeral, I learned that early on in her and my Grandpa Banks’ marriage, they purchased a 40-acre plot of land in White Pigeon. They then gathered together a group of friends and built a campground with a beautiful chapel for the youth group at their church to use for retreats. A third of the people in attendance at her funeral were former students in their youth group. My grandparents left an amazing legacy of service and financial generosity to their church youth group. Why had we never been told about this? I walked away from that day in greater awe of my grandma than ever, and I couldn’t let her know.
BY PETER JENKINS DIR. OF ADVANCEMENT
In the two months since her funeral, I am more convinced than ever how important it is to build a legacy and then pass it on. My grandma was also an incredibly hospitable woman who never knew which youth group kids would show up for dinner, but she always had extra food or found a way to make it work. This legacy of service and hospitality is embedded in me after hearing these stories at her funeral. Living in this way is what it means to be Grandma Banks’ grandson. What if we divided our legacy into three sections? Building, Sharing, and Passing On. I don’t think we have to view these as three different periods of life. My wife, Beth, and I are building a legacy
The chapel hand-built by my grandparents and others for their youth group group. 20
together and sharing it with our daughters at the same time. I used to be a youth pastor, and my mentor was building his legacy in youth ministry, sharing and inspiring others around him, and then passing it on to me when he left.
and love others. My encouragement from her life, though, is not to shy away from the legacy that you are building. Intentionally build it, repeatedly share it with humility, and lovingly pass it on.
Grandma Banks gave me so much during her life (even teaching me to play cards). And her legacy has given me a blueprint by which to live
One way you can build, share, and pass on your legacy is to add a gift to Zeeland Christian School in your will or trust. We are excited to share that the next 25 people to do so will unlock $5,000 of match money that will be added NOW to our endowment. For more information, please email me at pjenkins@zcs.org or call me at 616.953.2268..
My grandparents: Grandpa and Grandma Banks & Grandma and Grandpa Jenkins All volunteered in the youth group and helped build the campground. 21
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Overall Giving: $1,609,043
2019 Giving Report
MISSION:POSSIBLE (Capital Renovations): $769,269 (+ $333,751 outstanding pledges)
Each day students walk the halls of
Endowment: $379,663
Zeeland Christian School is another day where your generosity has an impact.
Tuition Assistance: $259,507
Thank you. Inclusion: $39,183
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Zeeland Christian School is known for their positive support of students in academics, relationships, and spiritual growth. They are embarking on a new level of growth in supporting the behavior and social/emotional needs of their students. Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) is the vehicle they are using for this work. A team of administrators and teachers have been attending training and are developing a system that fits with all that ZCS is. PBIS is a framework for creating schools that are positive, safe, and predictable for students and staff. Several components make this framework effective: A matrix is developed that has common behavior expectations across all school settings - This allows for all students and staff to know what is expected in each environment and gives a shared vocabulary for addressing behavior expectations. Expected behaviors are taught just as academic skills are taught.
behaviors through logical consequences. All staff will respond to behavior the same, and students will view consequences as procedural instead of personal. Data-based decision making - The PBIS Leadership team meets monthly to review data, address needed supports, provide professional development to the school staff, and monitor the quality of their implementation by completing surveys. Zeeland Christian is excited to implement this framework, combining it with Biblical principles. We believe it will give our students additional support that will help them become the individuals God created them to be.
A tiered system of support is put in place - We know that all children do well if they are supported in the ways that they need. The PBIS system ensures that all students learn basic behavior expectations, school staff regularly recognize and acknowledge all kids for good behavior, and all behavior errors are corrected and handled in a systematic way. If a child continues to struggle with behavior, they will receive a set of evidencebased interventions and instruction. There will still be students who need additional support and will receive individualized supports and services. Positive behavior is acknowledged - The behavior that receives the most attention is the behavior that you will see more of in the future. With this in mind, PBIS focuses attention on the behaviors that we want to see more of by acknowledging students who are doing what is expected. Predictable and consistent consequences are given - When a behavioral error is made, it is addressed by providing students opportunities to reflect on their choices and relearn the matrix
Krista Brower
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION AND SUPPORTS (PBIS)
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UPDATE FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD POLICY COMMITTEE The Policy Committee has spent the past several months reviewing the foundational documents that define ZCS, both in culture and as a non-profit entity. From this basis, a new set of documents, which incorporate the best elements of the past blended with new elements taken from both current law and current best practices at the school, are taking shape. These documents will serve as a springboard into the future as the school presses on in being faithful to the mission God has given us.
In the end, we anticipate the following set of guiding documents at ZCS:
It is, of course, the desire of the Board that the foundation at ZCS remain the same in the future as it was at its inception. Following is an excerpt directly from the “Constitution” of Zeeland Christian, the writing of which is dated 1945: “The purpose of the Society for Christian Instruction is to train children, in co-operation with the parents in such a way that they, as fellow-workers with God, can perform their duties in this world, to the glory of God, to their own well-being, and to the welfare of others.” What a delight to read those words from seventy-five years ago, and have them so confirmed in our spirit as we take inventory of who we are in 2020 and who we remain committed to being into the future! We have been motivated as a Committee to meticulously review past documents and consider how to honor their intent today through the use of documents that will provide sound governance for years to come.
In addition to the typical approvals of budget and new board members at our annual Society Meeting, we will be bringing the amended and restated Bylaws for review and approval by the Society as well. The updated Bylaws will be published in March, ahead of the Society Meeting in April. The Bylaws and the accompanying information will remind us who is part of the Society of Zeeland Christian, how the Board of Trustees is formed and operates, and how the Society is governed.
1 - Articles of Organization (filing updates with State of Michigan and IRS) 2 - The Constitution (remains identical) 3 - Bylaws (amended and restated) 4 - Policy Manual (to be compiled and updated by Board and Administration)
Ann Hemmeke
On behalf of the Policy Committee, thank you, and we welcome your continued prayers as we do our best to steward this process well.
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS: MARCH 6-7 - 8TH GRADE PLAY MARCH 17 - SPRING ELEMENTARY PROGRAM MARCH 28 - 3-ON-3 BASKET BREAKERS APRIL 17 - ZCS AUCTION