The Bell - March 2021

THE BELL ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT RENAE BUNING PG. 8-9

DITTO PG. 28-29

#OURZCSSTORY PG. 12-13

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING PG. 30

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STAFF Editor: PETER JENKINS Direction: PETER JENKINS Art Direction: SELENA VAN KLOMPENBERG Photography: SELENA VAN KLOMPENBERG Coordination: NAKISHA DEJONG, LEAH GEENEN ‘96 Graphic Designer: SELENA VAN KLOMPENBERG, MARIAH NELESEN ‘12 Writers: MEGAN SMITH, LEAH GEENEN ’96, CARA WICKSTRA, AARON KAUFFMAN, CARLA ZASTROW, SHANDA SPRICK, Editors: TOM JOUSTRA

Board of Directors: GEOFFERY BREMER KRISTA BROWER, VICE PRESIDENT JEFF DORNBOS ANN HEMMEKE, SECRETARY MOLLY KEHRER BETSY KOOP ‘98, PRESIDENT CHRIS LAMER ‘93, TREASURER STEVE LANGELAND ‘88 CRAIG OOSTERHOUSE JOEL PYPER TRAVIS SENIK SHANDA SPRICK ANDY VANDER ZWAAG Administration: MIKE ARENDSEN, DIR. OF FINANCE & OPS. CHUCK COMMERET, MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL; ZCS GLOBAL 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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ZCS TEACHER SPOTLIGHT

His shared deep connection between music and faith has made it difficult to ever separate the two. Viewing musical gifts as being given by God, Kevin sees this as a very specific way to honor Him and encourage His community.

As Kevin became older, he chose to become a music teacher. He completed his Music Education degree at Dordt College (now university) in Iowa. It was during this time that Kevin learned how to pick up and play most any instrument you can think of, which is a much loved trait among his many students. Over the years, he has taught an impressive 30 years in 4 different Christian schools including taking a 13 year ‘detour’ from teaching when he was hired as the Worship Arts

Written by: Megan Smith Kevin Schonewill grew up out on the Great Plains of South Dakota. His family was extremely musical, and ‘doing music’ in church was part of their identity as a family. In Kevin’s younger years, his father owned a music store, where he would occasionally work at.

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KEVIN SCHONEWILL

witnesses this in the eyes of a young student who sings a song with all their heart, or when he catches the satisfied smile of a band student after a song well played.

Kevin considers himself greatly blessed by his growing family. He has been happily married for 42 years, with 4 wonderful children and their spouses. He also has 10 fantastic grandkids, ranging in age from 14 years old to 1 month.

Director at Calvary Church in Holland. It was because of this particular position that his family moved to the Holland-Zeeland area 24 years ago. About 11 years ago Kevin’s oldest daughter, who was teaching at ZCS, let him know about an opening for a music teacher at the school. His daughter’s love for ZCS persuaded him to apply and he soon found himself back in the classroom.

One of the reasons Kevin wanted to go back into teaching is because of his desire as a teacher to be a ‘fire starter’ for his students. He enthusiastically takes joy in ‘Fanning the spark of faith and the embers of musical talent into a flame!’. His greatest moments as a teacher are getting to observe his current or former students loving music and using it to serve the kingdom. He

Although it’s rare to find Kevin not teaching or doing music, he also loves to be outdoors. He and his wife enjoy traveling when they get the chance, especially out West.

He is quite adventurous, with a love of hiking, biking, and camping. Mountain climbing is also on his list of hobbies.

Over the past 35 years Kevin has made it to the top of several notable peaks throughout United States, and has stood on the geographical highpoints of 49 states.

Nature never fails to remind him of the hymn he learned as a child, and now passes on to his students: “This is my Father’s world and to my listening ears all nature sings and round me rings the music of the spheres.”

Editors note: Mr. Schonewill announced to the ZCS staff on March 5, that he will be retiring at the end of the school year. Thank you, Mr. Schonewill for burning so bright!

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One of the classic assignments that a student is given in elementary school is to answer the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” When Renae (Timmer) Buning (‘00) had that assignment, she knew she wanted to own a flower shop. Even as a young child, one of Renae’s favorite things to do was to gather and arrange flowers from her parents’ expansive flower garden.

Although school was difficult for Renae and learning to read took a lot of extra support and practice, Renae thrived when she was able to use her creativity.

Even back then, Zeeland Christian’s “one-size-fits-one” approach was a blessing to the students. One of the highlights of her elementary years was a class field trip to her parents’ garden in the fifth grade. Renae remembers, “My teacher that year, Holly Van Emst, was the first person in my life to realize that my learning style was different from the traditional style. Through hands-on experiences and encouraging my creativity, Holly helped me learn to love school.”

RENAE BUNING ‘00 ALICE HATCH FLORAL Written by: Leah Geenen ‘96

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In 2016, Renae had the opportunity to make those dreams come true and started her own floral business out of her home in Hudsonville. She decided on the name Alice Hatch Floral, which is a nod to two of her favorite flower places from her childhood. Renae grew up on Alice Street (right down the ZCS hill!), and her grandparents owned a storage building called The Hatchery where they had beautiful lilac bushes that she had freedom to cut from and make arrangements.

Renae now sells flower arrangements for all of the major holidays, has had the privilege of creating flowers for more than 50 weddings, and has taught numerous classes for private and public parties. Renae credits Zeeland Christian for being a significant part of her childhood. “I am thankful for the teachers and support staff at ZCS that helped me understand my learning style and encouraged me to follow my dreams.”

Those childhood experiences, combined with the knowledge she gained from working at a flower shop, helped her to build a thriving business.

You can find Renae on Facebook and Instagram @alicehatchfloral.

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ZCS PRESCHOOL Written by: Nancy Pyle, Preschool Director

Zeeland Christian Preschool has been a foundational part of kids’ education in our community for over 30 years.

This school year, we expanded to three different preschool sites! Each site has its own personality and certain advantages that some families might prefer. While we are in three locations, every child’s experience is 100% ZCS. Our Central Ave. site has the advantage of being a part of the Zeeland Christian School building. Some (and we hope all!) of the preschoolers who attend this site will be attending school in that building for ten or more years like my oldest this year! Some parents are able to drop off their preschoolers and their elementary siblings at the same time. At Central Ave, in years without a pandemic, we have the opportunity to have preschool buddy classes where an elementary class joins a preschool class to do activities together about once a month throughout the year. We also have a traditional playground and a giant sledding hill for preschoolers to enjoy.

As more of our students have moved to other preschool sites, our Central Ave. classes have been able to all come back to meeting in our preschool commons area. Our preschool staff is loving the opportunity to all be in one pod of rooms together. We have five classrooms with preschool, plus our 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Extended Care program, all surrounding the preschool commons. It’s been wonderful to have a closer community within our staff again, since it’s been several years since we’ve all been together.

At our Drenthe site, one of the main advantages is the ease of parking when there is not an elementary school or busing to work around. The kids also enjoy the big parking lot during their outdoor play time. The staff is able to bring out trikes, scooters, and cozy-coop cars for kids to play with, as well as other activities that work well on pavement. Then when there is a good snowfall, the kids can play on the big snow piles in the yard beyond the parking lot.

With our one preschool class in Drenthe, the families are able to experience a smaller, close-knit community. Most families live within a few miles of the Drenthe site. Many of the families have all of their children attend the Drenthe site when they are four-years-old, so parents and siblings get to know other families over the years. Away from the hustle and bustle of Central Ave., this preschool class has a unique experience that still covers the same curriculum and activities as our Central Ave. site.

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Our Creation Ridge site is the newest addition to our preschool. While it was a big transition to move several of our preschool classes and teachers to another site, it has helped develop a new site that still feels like Zeeland Chistian! Almost half of the Creation Ridge staff moved from Central Ave. to Creation Ridge, and a few more staff members had worked as parent helpers in our preschool and knew the school culture. The team at Creation Ridge has worked hard to be an extension of Zeeland Christian, just in a different location and with a focus on nature-based education.

The preschoolers at Creation Ridge spend at least 90 minutes outside every day, except in extreme weather conditions. These kids are building strength and endurance physically, mentally, and emotionally with their extended time outside. The natural playscape is full of opportunities for kids to explore and expand their learning. We offer Spanish immersion classes at Creation Ridge, which is unique to Zeeland Christian. In the past, families have needed to choose nature-based education or Spanish immersion but couldn’t have both.

Now families can have their kids experience both at the same time!

While the transition to 3 sites has created new dynamics within our preschool, we love the opportunity to connect with more families in our community.

Regardless of which location is the best fit for your family, we are thrilled you are a part of the ZCS family!

We truly are honored to partner with families as they seek to raise their young children.

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# O U R Z C S S T O R Y

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TOM JOUSTRA

ZCS TEACHER SPOTLIGHT

Written by: Megan Smith

Colorado, and daughter Emily in Illinois. Needless to say, Tom and Laurie don’t have a shortage of options when they feel like traveling.

If you’ve ever walked the halls of Zeeland Christian School, then chances are you’ve run into the smiling face of Tom Joustra. But what might come as a surprise, is when he set off from his hometown in New Jersey to attend Calvin College, Tom didn’t have teaching in mind at all. Starting out as a math major, he later switched to business. Not feeling like either of these avenues were quite right, a friend encouraged him to look into teaching. It only took those first few educational courses for him to fall in love, and Tom’s passion for teaching began.

Upon graduation, Tom and his soon to be wife Laurie decided that they wanted to try to find teaching jobs in the same area. Their search bought them to the Chino/Ontario area of Southern California. After 5 years of teaching and becoming parents to their first two children, they felt it was time to put their trust in God for another move. Tom applied to several schools around the country and out of all of them, the Lord led him to ZCS. It didn’t take long for Tom and his family to fall in love with the area and the Zeeland Christian community.

Tom has now been teaching at ZCS for 32 years.

Many equally know and love his wonderful wife Laurie, who has been the librarian at ZCS for many years. Over the years, their family has grown and is now scattered all over the United States. Their daughter Laura is in Iowa, son Calvin and wife LeeAnn in Florida, daughter Anna and husband Logan in

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Teaching is so much more than just a job for Tom Joustra. He makes an effort to use every situation as an opportunity to help his students see who God is, figure out who God wants them to be, and what God wants them to do. Tom takes great pride in seeing how students finally ‘get it’, whether it be a math concept/skill, incorporating a simile into their writing, or being able to find the deeper meaning in a writing passage. He is fully committed to each student as an individual, seeing different fruits of the spirit evidenced in each of their lives. Overall, Tom is grateful how Christian education allows him to incorporate the themes of creation, fall, redemption, restoration, and new creation into everything he does in the classroom. As a Christ follower he’s proud to be a son of the Heavenly Father, not because of anything he’s done, but because of what Jesus has done for him.

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ZCS Students Win “Write Michigan” Writing Contest Written by: Leah Geenen ‘96 Three Zeeland Christian Spanish Immersion students had the honor of being chosen this year in a state-wide writing competition. Write Michigan, along with the Kent District Library, holds an annual contest for students and adults to submit short stories in either English or Spanish.

The stories are evaluated by judges, and the top ten applicants are then made available to be read and voted on by the general public. There are monetary prizes for the top three stories in each category, and the top six stories are published in the Write Michigan Anthology. Several ZCS students made it to the top ten, and three of them will be published with their stories in the Spanish category!

Another ZCS student, Xavier Irizarry, was chosen as the Judges’ Choice winner in the Spanish category! According to his mom, Stephanie, “Xavier is enrolled in ZCS Global this year, and Maestra Hernández shared the writing contest opportunity with her 5th-8th grade class in one of their daily morning meetings on Zoom. She shared the rules, guidelines, and provided check-ins with the students as needed to ensure that stories were moving along. This year, ZCS Global has blessed him with lots of freedom to complete his assignments and projects in a manner that suits his learning styles. He’s got a rhythm that has worked for him, and this writing contest fit into the flow!

Our family will forever be grateful for ZCS Global and Maestra Hernández for providing the time, context, space, and cheering that Xavier needed to start and complete his story, and for all who have taken the time to read it!”

Anja Philips, a 3rd grader in Spanish Immersion at ZCS, was one of the students that was selected to be published! Anja’s mom, Julie, shared, “I just think this is such a testimony to the quality of education our kids are getting!! We are so thankful for not only what the kids are learning but also how they are encouraged to develop their interests and gifts outside of the school setting through opportunities like this.”

Xavier shared a little bit about his story with us.

“My story is about a character named Arc who is a goalkeeper. I spent a lot of time thinking about my own experiences as a goalkeeper on my club soccer team, and the work I’ve had to put in to prove myself for playing time as one of the newer guys on the team. I wanted the main lesson of Arc’s story to be that you’re never going to earn things without hard work and practice and being humble. Arc is learning the same lessons I am trying to learn, too.” Xavier was shocked to find out that he had won the top prize of $500! He shared that he is going to spend some of the money, save some of it, and donate to three organizations that are important to him.

Alivia Schnakenberg is a 5th grader in ZCS Global Spanish Immersion, and her story was also selected to be published. Her family is very thankful for the Global program because of the flexibility it gives the students to pursue their passions. This flexible schedule allowed Alivia to dedicate many hours to writing and revising her story. Alivia said, “I was careful to include writing techniques that I have learned so that I could spice up my writing. I made sure to put in things like similes and use word choice as a tool.” She also said, “Being in ZCS Global made it easier for me to focus without distractions on the writing process and Maestra Hernandez was always available in case I had any questions.”

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Since March 13, 2020, ZCS:

Celebrating One Year of Learning Since the COVID Shut Down By: Tim McAboy, Head of School

One year ago, on March 13, 2020, schools were closed out of an abundance of caution regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. In the weeks leading up to this point, ZCS leadership had been discussing what school would look like if we had to go remote for a few weeks. As I look back on the last twelve months, I am so proud of what our teachers, students, families, board, and leadership team

March, 2020

April, 2020

• Created, launched, and implemented the highest -rated virtual learning experience in Ottawa County • Which led to the creation of our Week-at-a-Glance (WAAG) document we are still using to help students and parents understand the roadmap for the week ahead • Teachers worked tirelessly to adapt to ZOOM • Parents worked tirelessly to at least pretend they were adapting to ZOOM!

• Established the ZCS Passion Project - with hundreds of students learning hundreds of new skills throughout the at-home quarantine

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May, 2020

June, 2020

July, 2020

August, 2020

• Preschool car lines in front of the school allowed students to see their teacher in-person one more time before the year ended • Delivered Graduation Yard Signs and Banquet materials to 8th-grade students in anticipation of the first-ever virtual graduation • First-ever virtual auction

• Held a retirement carline for Mrs. Zwiep, Mrs. Keen, and Mr. Sneller • Began planning for implementation of School Safe Start guidelines • Held town hall meeting #1

• Adjusted plans for implementation of School Safe Start guidelines • Held town hall meeting #2 • ZCS Global creation?

Back in-person for the first

December, 2020

November, 2020

October, 2020

September, 2020

COVID

COVID

COVID

COVID

• ZCS Board donated money for a big Christmas lunch celebration for the staff

• Spanish Immersion 6th graders test above the national average in all four categories of fluency • Parents donated Panera & Jimmy John’s lunches for the staff

• COVID Deficit Campaign Launch - $227,000 raised to date!

• Parents donated money to buy Zeeland Bakery donuts & muffins for the staff

• ZCS Global Launched!

• Parents donated money to buy Tropical Smoothie for the staff • Creation Ridge Opened • MAP Assessment - Fall

0 Days Closed Due to

0 Days Closed Due to

0 Days Closed Due to

time in 133 days!

• Further adjusted plans for implementation of School Safe Start guidelines • Encouraged teachers with “Chip In” chips the first day of school

0 Days Closed Due to

March, 2021 January, 2021

February, 2021

COVID

COVID

0 Days Closed Due to • Parents donated muffins from Cafe & the Board provided lunch from Public for the staff

0 Days Closed Due to • MAP Assessment - Winter • Parents donated money for a coffee bar, Jersey Mike’s lunch, and Chickfil-A lunch for the staff

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0 Days Closed Due to COVID!

Zeeland Christian School Mandarin Immersion 2nd and 3rd-grade teacher Baolian (bow-lee-en) Xie (see-ay) was recognized as one of Holland Sentinel’s 2019-2020 Amazing Teachers. “This is my dream job,” said Baolian or Xie Laoshi (la-owshur - Mandarin Chinese for teacher) as known by her students. Teaching is more than just a job; it’s a daily blessing from God.

students have the opportunity to reconcile. This results in a classroom that feels safe because the students know that Xie Laoshi will encourage them to solve problems, not give up. She will defend their hearts by resolving conflict between her “kids” and anyone - classmates or playground friends down the hall. A student shares, “I know that my teacher loves me because when we get hurt, she takes it very seriously. She helps us all feel part of our community. Everyone matters.”

Baolian grew up along the coast of southern China in Quanzhou. She attended church with her mother, but it wasn’t until she moved to the Holland area as an adult that her faith became meaningful. God opened a door, and she began attending a Chinese church in Holland. During this time, she began a genuine relationship with Jesus and learned about the Mandarin program at ZCS. God placed Baolian in the same church as another teacher at ZCS, and when she learned about the opportunity, she applied right away.

At the time, she worked as a part-time mandarin teacher and interpreter in the Grand Haven area.

ZCS is unique in its Christian focus with Mandarin immersion. Since the Chinese culture is mostly Buddhist, the opportunity to learn about the Chinese language through a Christian lens is truly remarkable. Baolian has joy in her heart, knowing that these kids can communicate with people in a country that does not know Him yet.

She reminds us that it is our duty and joy to tell the world about God’s love as Christians. It feels like she is still in China when she walks into the classroom and engages with the students. It brings her such joy to integrate the beautiful pieces of the Chinese culture and her faith into her lessons.

She was overwhelmed by the love of God she experienced during her first year at Zeeland Christian. The parents provided her meals, prayers, and encouragement that still bring joy to her heart. Throughout her life, God has graciously taught her that He is enough and He will always be there for her. He is the God who sees us, and we are never alone when we are with Christ. And sometimes, He opens doors for us we never expected.

Baolian wants to encourage parents who are considering Mandarin immersion to look at the life-long benefits. When children learn a difficult language like Mandarin at a young age, it engages their brain in a new way. They can pick up other languages more quickly, and many doors are opened for future opportunities. Likewise, learning Mandarin is a unique journey for kids to help develop their perseverance. She sees Mandarin immersion as a key to open many doors and opportunities. She can’t wait to see how these kids will impact the world for the Kingdom.

Her students mean the world to her, and she engages their hearts, minds, and souls in the classroom. She celebrates their successes, and she challenges them in their failures. She sets the expectation for kindness and cooperation among classmates, and when there are problems, the

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BAOLIAN XIE Written by: Cara Wickstra

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THANK YOU!

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR DONORS FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT TO ZEELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL! [NOV. - JAN.] Jason and Laurie Adams Betty Alia Jeremy and Rachael Allen Peter and Nancy Antkoviak Tim and Dena Apotheker Alden and Marilyn Arendsen Earl and Lou Arendsen Mike and Krista Arendsen Jose and Erin Armas Brad and Holly Balder Leonard and Linda Bareman Jeff and Kim Baumann Mark and Beverly Baumann Steven and Beverly Baumann Donald and Dianne Bazuin Ford and Pat Berghorst Lloyd and Dianne Bierma Howard and Lavonne Blacquiere David and Kimberly Blaker Richard and Jane Blauwkamp Lyle and Ruth Boerman Corwin and Kathy Boeskool William and Wilma Bogertman Ken and Lois Bosch Laverne and Mary Bosch Ken and Linda Bosma David and Heidi Bostrom Kristin Bouman Steve and Vicki Bouman Tom and Teresa Bouwens John and Bonnie Bouws Duane and Barb Bremer Geoff and Erin Bremer Craig and Deborah Brink Larry and Carol Brinks Rudy and Diane Broekhuis Richard and Joan Broersma Brian and Kristin Brookens Jeff and Amanda Brouwer Lynn and Betty Brouwer Ryan and Jessica Brouwer Alvin and Muriel Brower Clay Brower Mike and Lori Brower Ross and Krista Brower Larry and Esther Brummel Jim and Cheryl Buist Gary Bultsma Calvin and Susan Buquet

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Peter and Laura Elzinga Joecy Fan Bernie and Cheryl Feenstra Robert and Monica Fenton Robert and Stacey Fenton Rod and Hazel Folkert Paul and Brenda Formsma Rhonda Franklin Ortiz Frank and Janice Fronek Bill and Linda Garvelink Chad and Leah Geenen David and Linda Geerlings Andrea and Justin Genzink Mark and Donna Genzink Steve and Lois Gerritsma Derel and Cori Glashower Tim and Dawn Glashower Sue Greenfield Eric and Deb Gritter Gerrit and Jennifer Gritters Ronald and Tamara Groen Thomas and Sandra Groen John Gruessing Kevin and Kristen Hamilton Robert and Clara Harrell Bradley and Lucinda Haverkamp Brad and Sara Heeres Jim and Linda Heeres Brian and Ann Hemmeke Cal and Emily Hemmeke Linda Hemmeke Nelson and Jean Herrema Bob and Laurie Hieftje Randal and Laura Hilbrand Marvin and Cristine Hinga Howard and Marianne Hoeksema Laverne Hoeksema Harris Hoezee Gerry and Linda Holmes David and Elaine Holstege Marlene Holstine Les Hoogland Tom and Jenny Hoort Ryan and Stephani Hop Donald and Ruth Huisenga Bill and Natalie Huizenga Derrick and Lisa Huizenga Keith and Deb Huizenga Robert Huizenga

THANK YOU!

Jon and Joy Ippel Kyle and Holly Israels Thomas and Elizabeth Jeffers Peter and Beth Jenkins Alvin Jipping Richard and Karen Jipping Howard and Marian Johnson Thelma Johnson Harley and Laura Jongekrijg Jim and Jan Jonker Tom and Laurie Joustra Paul and Linda Kalkman Kyle and Jordon Kamphuis Steve and Robin Kamphuis Steve and Deb Kamstra Jason and Molly Kehrer Gary and Diane Kerber Keri and Kristen Key Aaron and April Kiekintveld Rex and Mary Kiekintveld Scott and Sally Kiekintveld Randy and Jane Klingenberg Dan and Maria Klompmaker John Klompmaker Jon Klunder Tim and Vicki Klynstra Brian and Melissa Knot Joan Knot Bill and Pam Knott Gerald and Maryellen Kolk Brian and Michelle Konyenbelt Fred and Sue Konynenbelt Harv and Sandee Konynenbelt Stan and Jayne Konynenbelt Dan and Michelle Koop Jonathan and Betsy Koop Mark and Janet Krommendyk Preston and Carol Krommendyk Steve and Ashley Krommendyk Leon and Betty Kruithof Ryan and Allison Kruithof Daniel and Sarah Kuiper Brad and Rebecca Kuipers Gregory and Harriet Kuipers Jeremy and Sarah Laarman Daniel and Melissa Lam Chris and Deb Lamer Sherwyn and Melanie Lamer James and Flossie Lampen Steve and Kathy Langeland David and Dianne Langworthy Matt and Deb Lappenga Mike and Cara Larsen Greg and Jen Leenstra Jeff and Rebecca Leep

Timothy and Beverly Leep Barb Lipinski William and Marybeth Liszewski Kenneth and Carla Louwsma Howard and Judy Lubbers Mark and Vicki Lucas Henry and Ratchaneekorn Luten Jeff and Beth Maat Larry and Pam Maat Dave and Jan Machiela John and Jan Machiela Brent and Elizabeth Malone Nana and Bapa Martin Andrew and Tara Mauro Carolyn and Larry McKeever Stephen and Ashley Meade Glenn and Barbara Meyaard Richard and Winky Meyer Randy and Lynae Meyers Vern and Linda Meyers John and Kathy Miedema David Miller Mindy Miller David and Angela Moelker Mike and Karyl Morin Keith and Kim Mulder Keith and Sara Mulder Paul and Heather Mulder Bob and Sheryl Mulder Dave and Leanne Muma Rich and Ann Nagelkerk Marc and Tracy Nelesen Dave and Deb Nienhuis Vincente and Silvia Nunez Elmer and Leona Nyhof Mark and Amanda Nyhof Phil and Kim Nykamp Terry and Kim Nyland Marcia O’Donnell Craig and Betsy Oosterhouse Seth and Kami Palmer Edward and Kelli Palsrok Edward and Sally Palsrok Gloria Pelon Fred and Gail Persenaire Ben and Gretchen Petroelje Larry and Betty Petroelje Chih-Hsuan Pierce Mart and Mary Praamsma Mark and Kathy Pyle Paul and Nancy Pyle Joel and Joy Pyper Aaron and Sandra Raak Marianne and Mark Raitz Ken and Barb Rininger 23

Norberto and Denia Rodriguez Kristi Roelofs Kristi and Dale Rosema Allen and Jeanne Rotman Bill and Rhonda Rowlee Alison Rugg Andrew and Sarah Rugg Philip and Tasha Saladin Loren and Sandy Sall Wayne and Joyce Sall Pat and Jen Schafer Steve and Karen Scholten Ken and Mary Schreur Jeff and Becky Schrotenboer Ray and Sue Schrotenboer Travis and Corah Senik Bryan and Betsy Shafer Dave and Shirley Shafer Elmer and Nancy Sjaarda Brian and Haley Slagh Conrad Slagh Doug and Lori Slenk Jason and Lindsey Slenk Eric and Emily Sloterbeek Ben and Heather Smith Cody and Blair Smith Dustin and Brianne Smith Terry and Susan Smith Rog and Lois Sneller Steve and Valerie Spoelhof Gary and Shanda Sprick James and Dana Staat Aaron and Christa Steenwyk Bob and Jane Steenwyk Herbert and Joyce Steigenga Bob and Nancy Steinbrecher Paul and Katie Stewart Dennis and Ruth Stilley Doug and Melissa Stob Tim and Tiffany Stob Scott and Polly Storteboom Jordan and Nikol Taylor Mark and Kelli Ten Haken Brenda Ter Horst James and Jane Ter Horst Michael and Meribeth Ter Horst James and Kathy Terpstra Pete and Ruth Terpstra Mark and Joan Theune Ron and Sherri Tibbe Arlene Timmer Cal and Linda Timmer Chris and Jennifer Timmer Jim and Sue Timmer Mark and Bonnie Timmer

THANK YOU

Dave and Wendy Timmerman Mitchel and Sarah Timmerman Tom and Paula Tinholt Kerry and Vickie Toner Mike and Carrie Traver Apple Tsou Duane and Gaylene Tucker Bill and Judy Van Appledorn Erik and Olivia Van Appledorn Kenneth and Lucille Van Dam Russell and Connie Van Dam Bill and Mary Ellen Van Dyk Steve and Kristi Van Dyk Bryan and Kaylin Van Dyke Dale and Charlotte Van Haitsma John and Rose Van Haitsma Nick and Brittany Van Huis Kenton and Selena Van Klompenberg Rita Van Maanen Howard and Julie Van Mersbergen Nancy Van Rhee Roger and Betty Van Wyk Brent and Linda Vande Wege Joan Vanden Bosch Brian and Tammy Vanden Brink Dennis and Angeline Vanden Heuvel Martin Vander Meulen Wayne and Linda Vander Molen Gary and Mickey Vander Veen Gregory and Julia Vander Veen Scott and Wendy Vander Veen Thomas and Rebecca Vander Veen Andy and Elizabeth Vander Zwaag Brad and Jenny Vander Zwaag David and Nancy Vander Zwaag Jim and Pam Vander Zwaag Debb Vanderhaar-Arens Vicki VanPeursem Robert and Linda Velderman Jayne Venlet Bernice Ver Hage Scott and Marcia Vlietstra Loren and Lisa Vredevoogd Curtis Vrieland Douglas and Robin Vrieland David and Linda Vugteveen Garry Wabeke Jerry and Gay Wallinga Brent and Sara Walter Mike and Julie Walters Anjalie Wassink Jason and Heidi Watson Jake and Linda Weeda Jerry and Gretchen Weesies Marilyn Westenbroek

Roger and Ruth Westrate Wendi Whitaker Elizabeth Wierda Lucy Wierda Betty Wiersema Laurie and Jim Wilkins Donald and Melissa Wire Rob and Stephanie Witteveen Scott and Deborah Witteveen Keith and Erin Wolters Chris and Alicia Zandstra Jim and Marilyn Zinger David and Judy Zwiep Ed and Joyce Zylstra Jeff and Trisha Zylstra LEGACY GIFTS Clifford and Hazel Kragt Marvin and Jerene De Witt Foundation CHURCHES & BUSINESSES Advantage Marine Repair Arrowaste Beaverdam Christian Reformed Church Bethany Christian Reformed Church Bethel Christian Reformed Church Borculo Christian Reformed Church Canadian Lakes Refuse Center LLC Christian Evangelical Foundation CL Construction De Kock Family Foundation Direct Electric Inc. Disher Design & Development Drenthe Christian Reformed Church Egltech Engelsman Greenhouse First Christian Reformed Church-Zeeland First Christian Reformed Church-Zeeland GDK Construction Gentex Corporation Graafschap Church Grassmid Transport Haven Christian Reformed Church Haworth, Inc. Herb and Dottie Keeler Family Foundation Howard Miller Company Inontime, Inc. Integrity Landscaping John and Judy Spoelhof Foundation Koele Godfrey Investment Group Kristin Ruther & Team RE/Max of Grand Rapids Landscape Design Services 24

Macatawa Radiant Inc Mankato Area Foundation McKesson Foundation Mikalan Roofing, Inc. Niekerk Christian Reformed Church North Street Christian Reformed Church North Street Christian Reformed Church OK Tire OneQuest Family Foundation Ottawa Smiles Dental Peerbolt’s Inc. Premier Freight Management Request Foods Ridgeview Industries Ridgeview Landscaping, LLC Ringnalda TenHaken Insurance Group, LLC Sight Eye Clinic Smith Gas Liquids Company Town and Country Group VQuest Properties Wells Fargo Zeeland Vision Services

MEMORIAL

Phyllis Hoeksema Laverne Hoeksema Muriel Jipping Alvin Jipping Julie Liszewski William & Marybeth Liszewski Lloyd Meeuwsen Herp and Loie De Roo Lester Hoogland Doug & Melissa Stob Barb Newman Glenn and Susan Cherup Chuck and Michelle Commeret Paul and Linda Kalkman John and Judy Spoelhof Mike O’Donnell Alpena Community College Karin Baker Roger and Brenda Bauer Donna Bautel

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MEMORIAL DONORS

Doug Groen Inontime Larry and Esther Brummel Calvin and Susan Buquet Dawn Groen Ronald and Tamara Groen Thomas and Sandra Groen Jim Overway Fred and Gail Persenaire Ben and Heather Smith Herbert and Joyce Steigenga James and Jane Ter Horst Wayne and Linda Vander Molen Roger and Ruth Westrate Terrry & Susan Smith Rick & Karen Foote Steve & Del Persenaire Direct Electric (Rebels Baseball)

Ronald and Valerie Beatty Darlene Wojton Kenneth and Josephine Bott CR Yockey Bill and Linda Clegg CR Yockey Eleanor Coddington Jason and Elizabeth Young Anlaan Corporation Laura and Glen Cutrer Ann Pyle Donna Czarnecki Dave and Shirley Shafer Michael and Meaghan Daleski Jacqueline Donajowski Dennis Schepel Jere Doyle Robert Doerr Benson Family Fred and Sue Konynenbelt Hoffman Family Stan and Jayne Konynenbelt Jacobs Family Larry and Pam Maat Larsen Family Edward and Sally Palsrok Murphy Family John and Rose Van Haitsma James and Ann Florip Laurie and Jim Wilkins Richard and Phyllis Genschaw Michael and Sarah Homant Henry Teune Michael and Sarah Homant Ken and Lois Bosch Suzanne Homant Jean Dahnke Christina Hug James and Suzanne DeJonge Stephanie Ihnat Jim and Linda Heeres Gladys Kemnitz Jacquelyn Kennedy Gordon Timmer John and Julie Kowalski Arlene Timmer Mike LaMarre Tiffany Leuthold James and Betty Masters Chris & Julie McCoy William and Nancy Mischley Audra Morse Seth O’Donnell Shannon O’Donnell Jamie Plummer Bill and Corky Potvin Ronald and Kathleen Prell Dave Przeslowski David Rieger Dennis Schultz Robert Scott Joseph and Machelle Shelton Martha Sherman Patricia Smith Eileen Spence Eileen and Hugh Spence Steven and Shawn Straley Gerrit and Robin Ter Laan Terry and Barbara Thomas James and Judith Vivian Jodi Vivian Amanda Wagenmaker Thomas and Linda Wagenmaker Bill and Judy Walker Keith and Joyce Wallace David Wikaryasz Janice Williams

IN MEMORIAM

Larry Engbers Aaron and Kellie DeCamp Jeff and Kathy Disher Robert and Ruth Eekhoff Frank and Janice Fronek Carolyn and Larry McKeever Rita Van Maanen Thomas and Rebecca Vander Veen Debbie Vanderhaar-Arens Edward and Joyce Zylstra

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ZCS TEACHER SPOTLIGHT

This year, ZCS welcomed Erin Armas as the new 3rd grade Spanish teacher. Erin’s teaching history includes teaching at a public school in Charlotte, NC, homeschooling her own children, teaching in a homeschool co-op in Guatemala, and even teaching online college and language classes. While serving and living in Guatemala, she hosted visitors whose children were attending ZCS. They spoke very highly of the school and this left a lasting impression on Erin. Coincidentally, her family was coming on a furlough to West Michigan. She initially had her first conversation with Carrie Papay and soon made many more connections. Erin felt the same message from every person she met at ZCS, ‘You belong here”.

ERIN ARMAS

Erin is originally from a small town in upstate New York, near Niagara Falls, with a population of only 1,000 people.

Not having grown up in a Christian home, her path to know God didn’t happen until she was 23 years old. Christ has empowered Erin to overcome many hardships she endured in her past, leading her on a life changing journey of serving and loving others. Her personal experiences have been particularly beneficial in helping her students to know their own identity in Christ. She believes this will give them the tools to navigate problems in life or school with confidence. Erin enjoys being around young people, finding interesting, inspiring and fun.

Outside of teaching, Erin is happily married and has 3 children. Her oldest child Daniel (16) is a junior at Unity.

Her daughter Sophia (11) and younger son Samuel (7) are in 6th and 2nd grade at ZCS. She and her family love spending time together, playing games and taking their dog for walks. Erin puts all of her trust God and is excited to know it was His specific plan that she and her family ended up at ZCS.

Written by: Megan Smith

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at Ditto would end, we knew Ditto was held in the hands of God. We prayed as we waited for the instructions and approval for reopening from the state of Michigan. When we reopened, we trusted God and He didn’t disappoint.

DITTO

Written by: Shanda Sprick

The e-mail to the Ditto board from our treasurer read, “The store closed in mid-March, so March sales are down 52.9% over last year….” I sat back in my chair as I digested the news. For the past few weeks, I’d been trying to keep my head above water managing our children’s schooling at home. Each day filled up quickly with ZOOM calls and WAAGs, leaving little margin for thinking outside of my family.

How would Ditto make its financial commitments to Zeeland Christian and Holland Christian? What about the store director and managers? What about our volunteers? The beginning of the pandemic brought uncertainty, massive closings, and financial stress.

With Ditto closing, the board grieved being unable to make our payments to the schools. Ditto gives $310 per student to Zeeland Christian and Holland Christian to help offset a family’s tuition. No income at the store meant no payments to the schools.

Though the board didn’t know how the story of Covid

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Ditto board president, Eric Kern, wrote this in his state of the store letter in January 2021, “The big story here is that we closed the doors for almost 3 months in the spring. However, with no mortgage to pay and supplemented unemployment benefits for our staff, we were able to hunker down into hibernation mode. Since we were receiving $0 revenue, the board decided we needed to pause our payments to the schools, yet make it a priority to work toward making up the difference once we reopened. We opened up in June with a bang, kept busy throughout the summer, began making 1.5 and 2x payments to the schools, and by October, caught up on our financial commitment to the schools!”

God did it! God blessed abundantly so Ditto could fulfill its obligations. How? God did it using His people. He did it using store director Sarah Schemper. She tended the store through its closing, arranging for special drop-off days and making preparations for reopening which would follow Covid protocols. God used managers Betsy

Oosterhouse, Laura Platenga, and Lisa Fredricks.

These ZCS mothers faithfully came into work knowing the days would be incredibly busy and often stressful. Ditto would not be in such a healthy financial position without these women. God did it through the volunteers. Most of the volunteers at Ditto are in retirement. Despite the dangers of Covid, they came back wearing masks, answering health questions before entering, and sanitizing their stations regularly.

God did it through massive donations fueled by families deep cleaning and organizing during stay-athome orders and choosing to donate to Ditto rather than trash their household items.

How do I know this? I am a witness. As a board member, I saw the financial numbers drop to zero then leap ahead, beating last summer’s numbers by large percentages. As a shopper, I got fantastic deals upon reopening. As a volunteer on Friday mornings, I saw the dedication of our volunteers returning with such excitement. Do you want to be encouraged? Come to Ditto, listen to the wisdom of our volunteers, and be inspired by their work ethic.

See the dedication of our director and managers. This isn’t just a job to them. They are participants with God for the purpose of helping families afford Christian education.

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In Acts 5:20, after an angel released the apostles from prison, they are told to “Go, stand in the temple and tell the people the whole message about this life.” Which life? The life of living for Christ the Messiah. The testimony of Ditto is the testimony from its people: volunteers and staff partnering with God to help proclaim the message of Jesus through Zeeland Christian, Holland Christian, and the community.

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING CLASS Written by: Aaron Kauffman, ZCS Social Worker

“We all know each other’s names. Why again do we have to say our name before we share?” It’s a valid question asked by the confused 8th grader.

The students are seated in a circle facing each other and have been asked to share their name, favorite restaurant, and a healthy action they would take to deal with stress. The teacher responds, “Remember that we talked about how names are incredibly important, and this is one way that we emphasize that.”

Our new Social-Emotional Learning (S.E.L.) class includes relevant and practical social and emotional skills for students based in Biblical truths supported by specific research and practice. How do I ask for help when I feel embarrassed to do that? If I am really worried about one of my friends, what do I do?

I know I am supposed to say I am sorry, but if I am not feeling sorry, is that a lie? These are just some of the questions being explored and answered in the S.E.L. course.

At Zeeland Christian, educating the whole child figures prominently into our mission. As the world around us changes, it is critical to this comprehensive education that we grow students in adapting healthily to those changes while holding strong to Biblical principles and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

This school year, that learning for middle school students includes the piloting of a new socialemotional learning course, or S.E.L., as part of our encore classes. Encore classes include a rotation of such offerings as art, study skills, and physical education.

Middle Schoolers participate in a highly interactive experience in the class including going outdoors as much as the weather allows in the fall and spring.

Seeing each others’ faces while having a lengthy mask break has been a major benefit that students have enjoyed. Each Middle school student has 2 rotations in the school year of meeting 2 times per week for about 40 minutes this year so in the range of 12 - 18 weeks in all.

One of the marked shifts in our ociety and world has been the rapid increase in the number of screens a child is exposed to. No parent will claim that it is easy to moderate a child’s time with screens, be they phones, television, tablets, video games, and more. This change over the past two decades correlates strongly with the increase in mental health difficulties for children and adolescents especially.

Moreover, social media certainly plays a significant role in all of this. Face-to-face communication slips away, while young people feel more anxious and isolated than ever before.

From a uniquely Christian perspective, there is no better role model for healthy relationships, the fruits of the Spirit, and empathy towards others than Jesus Christ. Empathy has been defined as “a joining with someone” or “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.” Immanuel, or “God with us,” showed us love so profoundly and sacrificially in this very way. To know more about God and to be more like him each day is our goal, not just in S.E.L., but in all learning at Zeeland Christian School.

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Q+A with Geoff and Erin Bremer ZCS Standing Stone Society Member

Why is including ZCS in your planned giving important to you?

As we looked at opportunities to financially support ZCS after our kids have graduated from ZCS, including ZCS in our trust is one way to ensure that ZCS is financially supported long after we have passed.

Why is growing the ZCS endowment a priority for you?

An endowed gift provides the assurance that our financial gift is invested wisely and managed by the organization in a way that is God honoring. In addition, it provides the opportunity to be combined with other endowed gifts to make a larger financial splash in the ZCS pool.

How complicated was the process to update your current estate plan?

(Is this OK to ask? lol). It took one email to our Trust attorney with the updated form.

Do your parents have charities in their estate plan? If so, what role did that play in your decision to do so as well?

Our parents have always been very philanthropic towards a small group of organizations, and that definitely played a role in our decision. Rather than give smaller amounts to multiple organizations.

We selected four organizations whose Mission we believe in and are doing Kingdom focused work.

The Zeeland Christian School Endowment Fund is a collection of charitable donations that have been combined and invested.

The primary source of funding is through wills, trusts, and adding ZCS as a beneficiary to retirement accounts.

The current fund balance is over $6 million.

A portion of the income from the invested fund is paid back to Zeeland Christian to offset the cost of tuition. Over time, the Endowment Fund will continue to grow, providing more money for the school to use to keep tuition costs down.

For more info about the Standing Stone Society, please email Peter Jenkins at pjenkins@zcs.org

The Zeeland Christian Endowment Fund was established in 1984 and has already paid over $3 million to ZCS! Please consider adding ZCS to your estate plan to leave a legacy of generosity and make a forever impact on students’ lives.

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