The Bell - Spring 2019

THE BELL

A Publication of Zeeland Christian School

Page 5 NATURE-RICH PBL 4th and 6th-grade students design Nature-Rich environments with the help of local design studios.

Page 9 30 YEARS OF INCLUSION We celebrate 30 years of welcoming students with varied abilities.

Page 12

THA N K YO U TO O U R DO N O RS! SPRING 2019

Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

Notes from Leadership

5

Nature Rich Project

6

Teaching Sisters

7

Jingle Jog

8

Inclusion Spotlight

9

30 Years of Inclusion

12

Donor List

NOTES FROM ZCS LEADERSHIP Tim McAboy, Head of School Years ago, my wife and I made the mistake of falling in love with a house before the home inspection. I was in the back corner of the yard as the inspector finished up, and as he walked towards me, I remember him just shaking his head.

There were major issues with the foundation, and after he explained, I naively asked, “Is there anything else?” He put his hand on my shoulder and said, “When the foundation is this bad, everything built on it is bad as well.”

2018-2019 THEME:

ANCHOR IN THE STORM

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

PSALM 46:1

2 | The Bell

All of us at Zeeland Christian count it as the highest privilege to work with parents as they seek to build their child’s foundation with Jesus Christ as the Cornerstone. Brick by brick we work together. We educate and parent with intentionality, choosing to be in a community where we support and encourage each other to parent and educate with the end in mind.

While we are concerned with each child’s actions and abilities today, we see today through the lens of eternity, keeping in mind not only who each child is, but who he or she is to

State of the School

become in Christ. 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!

improvement projects that are needed such as a roofing replacements, parking lots, electrical systems replacements, bathroom updates, and boiler systems.

We celebrate that the ZCS Society was able to take the Tuition Assistance Fund from 60% funding to 100% funding for the ‘18-’19 school year and again for the ‘19’20 year - thank you! This means that qualified families can receive the assistance that they need.

Chad Geenen, Board President The School Board of ZCS is made up of 13 members who have been nominated and approved by the Society to represent and manage the governance of the school. We have such a fun time at our board meetings and committee level meetings engaging with the ZCS administrators and directors to give guidance on the functions, goals and vision of the school. There are subcommittees of the board, which are made up of the 13 board members, and work on more focused topics like the Education Committee, Finance Committee, Endowment Committee, Executive Committee, Promotions Committee, and Facilities Committee.

The Finance Committee has been diligently working on current year budget amendments and drafting next year’s proposed budget. Mike Arendsen, Finance and Operations Director at ZCS, does such a wonderful job of using the daily accounting info and budgeting to give the board accurate reports and proposals for ways to make things better. Peter Jenkins, Advancement Director at ZCS, continuously collaborates with the Finance Committee to establish fund raising and promotion plans to help meet the school’s goals. Some of the major topics that the board has been wrestling with include finding alternative solutions to the CSI Pension Plan, drafting a fund raising plan for capital needs, and looking for ways to make Christian Education affordable for many families. The Board has been developing plans to address the ongoing facility

A couple years ago the board and some of the ZCS Directors started exploring the research behind nature-rich learning and the positive impacts that it can have on kids. We also saw the correlation with learning, nature, and worship of our great God and Creator. This inspired a project-based learning unit for the 4th and 6th grade classes where the Board challenged the students to ideate and design an outdoor space that would enhance learning, worship, and play. The Board and a group of ZCS Directors are still in process of designing, planning, fundraising, and developing curriculum which will incorporate some aspects of nature-rich learning for all students at ZCS. More to come on that this spring…

One initiative by the Education Committee this past year has been to develop as stronger connection with our teachers through the Learning Innovation Teams. Karyl Morin, Director of Learning Innovation at ZCS, provides excellent leadership of those teams to work towards improvement in all curricular areas. The Education Committee has received many updates from the team leaders and is able to be a sounding board for them as they pursue excellence in curriculum and evaluation of student learning.

It has been such a pleasure to serve on the board for the last 5 years and to get to know the full workings of the school.

We have such amazing teachers, dedicated administrators, creative leaders, and kind and patient classroom assistants, who all have a heart for God and show it in all they do. Give thanks with me for the blessing of Christian Education at ZCS. Spring 2019 | 3

Contentment

THE SECRET OF CONTENTMENT Peter Jenkins, Director of Advancement

“I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” Phillippines 4:13 Did you know Paul was referring to being content when he wrote these famous words? I didn’t either until I read Satisfied by Jeff Manion. A mentor, who has been kind enough to coach me in the areas of donor care and fundraising, introduced this book to me, and it changed my perspective on middle-class American contentment.

larger world but that we are rich and utterly unaware. ... The scandal is not how much we have but how little we think we have, and thus, how much more we expect and demand. Our souls are in danger. In danger of the felony of ingratitude. In danger of straying from the God whose goodness is so immense and so often ignored.”

Paul writes in Phil. 4:10-12 how he has “learned the secret” to be content regardless of whether or not his needs are met. The secret as both Paul and Manion go on to articulate is being satisfied within our identity as God’s children. Our ‘needs’ are put into perspective when we live believing that God only places value in who we are, not what we own or have accomplished.

The hope on the other side of this danger is the famous encouragement from Paul. The NIV says, “I can do all this through him…” Referring directly to being content; satisfied. Tim Keller says we can only truly rest when we are satisfied. We can be restored physically, emotionally, and spiritually when we rest in the security of belonging to a God who is strong, generous, and caring.

Manion goes on to write, “The tragedy is not that we who occupy the middle class are rich when compared to the 4 | The Bell

Manion suggests the classic practice of listing out blessings we have received

from God as an exercise of gratefulness and a step towards contentment.

Because his audience is middle-class America he reminds us to list things we take for granted such as literacy, transportation, healthcare, etc.

I encourage you to accept Manion’s challenge and make a list for yourself and help your children make a list of their own. How does this list change your attitude towards the areas of discontentment you are currently facing?

We can be less stressed. We can be less anxious.

We can be content.

Through Him. Peter Jenkins, Director of Advancement

Nature Rich Project

NATURE-RICH PROJECT

A Collaborative Project to Engage in Outdoor Learning This year at Zeeland Christian School, nature was incorporated back into the classroom. In an age of electronics and screens, there is a movement toward intertwining nature with the learning experience. ZCS has taken the initiative in creating an educational experience without the use of a screen through the Nature Rich Outdoor Space Project. In a collaboration between multiple West Michigan design studios and nearly two hundred students, the innovation of an interactive outdoor space began. Over one thousand ZCS children will have access to this area where they could better learn, worship, and play with using all five senses, motor skills, and meaningful interaction with nature.

Led in Spanish and English by expert design leaders and fellow teachers, the students took initiative in shaping this inclusive space. Karyl Morin, Director of Learning Innovation at ZCS, led the transformation of classrooms into design studios to take part in the What If? Innovation Project Š. From visiting local design studios to conducting research, students learned skills that helped them grow their own creative solutions to this challenge.

Developing creativity and ingenuity was the focus of each design studio as the students explored ideas. Through experiencing a rigorous process, both teachers and students alike developed new competencies as innovators and designers. Fully understanding the end-users experience was key in creating an inclusive and engaging environment for all.

As ideas of all shapes and sizes developed in the classrooms, students voted on the best designs. Teams were then built to move designs from paper to prototypes through mock methods that fostered storytelling skills. This assisted the children in working together to help their clients experience the design. Displaying their solutions empowered students to contribute to the innovation itself, while reflecting on the skills they acquired throughout the design process. As the challenge came to an end, they were given the opportunity to assess how they’d grown. In giving thanks, the young innovators wrote appreciation notes to community members for being able to participate in the creative process.

Providing students with an opportunity to immerse themselves in this design project was an important step in expanding their knowledge. By working towards creating this outdoor space, students of all ages and abilities will have enhanced experience throughout every season of the year. The Nature Rich Initiative will serve as a showcase of collaboration between the children and leaders in West Michigan. This was made possible by the extraordinary and generous efforts of a unified community inspired to put ideas into a reality that will stay with students for years to come.

Spring 2019 | 5

Spanish Immersion

TEACH ING SISTERS Silvia Nunez and Hilda Duran

Zeeland Christian is a place for families to come together to share the love of God. For sisters Hilda and Silvia, this has been no exception. Sharing their passion for teaching together is an answer to many prayers, as well as years spent apart that brings two journeys and two sisters together into one school.

ZCS teachers Hilda Duran (2nd-grade), Silvia Nuñez (5th-grade)

Hilda and Silvia’s story begins in Ambato, Ecuador, a town approximately the size of Holland. Their family owned a small business, which set the sisters’ passions in motion in two very different ways. Inspired by her family, Hilda felt drawn towards studying business and administration in college. She stayed in Ambato for years, even after Silvia left for the United States with her husband, which Hilda recalls as a difficult time. She would pray to be near her sister again someday, having faith and believing, “God always has his ways”. Among this prayer and others, she hoped the most that God would provide her an opportunity to be a blessing to others.

helping one another in the classroom and speak of a similar motivation that inspires them to teach every day. “It is such a blessing to have her close”, Silvia says.

Silvia’s love of teaching began at a young age when she was sent to live with her grandmother, who was a teacher by profession, as her family ran their business. She remembers those days fondly, as a special time that allowed her passion of teaching to bloom with her grandmother as her own teacher. She would let Silvia practice teaching as well, and eventually prepared her for her first experience at a young age of teaching the book of catechism in her neighborhood church. After studying education in college, she married her husband and moved to the United States. To be separated from Hilda by many miles and countries made it difficult for her; but one day, her sister would be by her side once again.

Silvia shares a similar motivation to teach her students about God’s love, found within her own love of her students.

She says her heart is in teaching, as well as in sharing her culture with the children. The sisters have both enjoyed teaching their students about their upbringing in Ecuador through stories of their cultural experiences. Hilda believes it is a gift to share her heritage with her 2nd-grade students.

She says “I always have a connection with my culture, my country, and my family. That is what I am teaching to them.”

Their students are constantly excited to ask questions about Hilda and Silvia’s country, and they do class projects to learn more about Ecuadorian culture.

Ten years ago, Hilda made the decision to move to the United States to join her sister in Michigan. Silvia had already been teaching at Zeeland Christian and wanted to assist Hilda in finding a job at the school she loved so much.

She started as a preschool aide, which led her to find her passion in children. After Hilda took classes for a degree in teaching, the sisters shared many classroom experiences including teaching second grade. They both talk fondly of

The sisters are so grateful to teach together and share their passion for spreading God’s love to the children of ZCS. After years spent apart, they have been able to maintain their bond, two journeys reunited within God’s path.

Reflecting on their journeys, Hilda expresses how grateful she is for the blessings bestowed onto her, faithfully expressing, “God has given me everything”.

6 | The Bell

Shortly after beginning to work at ZCS, Hilda had a dream that quelled any uneasiness she felt about teaching: she stood surrounded by children and heard a voice above that told her she needed to take care of them. The next day, Hilda entered the classroom and says she saw them with a new set of eyes. They showed her how teaching is much more than math or science, but rather leading students to see God’s love within her; an answer to a hopeful prayer.

Jingle Jog

JINGLE JOG The week before Christmas break, dozens of K-5 students gathered to participate in a long-standing tradition known as the Jingle Jog. On two separate mornings, family members were invited to watch their student run a mile while raising money for our sister school in the Philippines: Grace Community Christian. The money raised, (over $6,000 this year!), allows us help fund capital projects such as providing electricty in the gym at Grace Community.

Susan Miller, ZCS PE teacher, and creator of the Jingle Jog says the event is a fun way for students to learn the importance of cardiorespiratory endurance while showing their goofiness through costumes.

Runners and spectators alike greatly enjoy the event, and Miller says she is repeatedly told by families this is the event they will never miss. What began as a fun run eighteen years ago has grown beyond the walls of Zeeland Christian to bring joy into other communities, filling the halls of Grace Community Christian with similar smiles.

Spring 2019 | 7

Inclusion

INCLUSION STU DENT SPOTLIGHT Neena O’Donell

It was in her kindergarten year that Neena started at Zeeland Christian. Since the beginning, she has been and continues to be a valuable member in her classroom.

She has built strong friendships with her peers, and they love including her on all of their activities in the classroom. Neena cherishes the time she spends with her friends during class time, specials, recess, field trips, and of course birthday parties! She has been able to be more independent with peers, participating with them in Terracycle and coming up with silly stories on the whiteboard during recess in these cold months.

This year, Neena has been working hard at learning how to use her AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device to communicate at school. Neena has shown us her great sense of humor by repeating some of the teacher’s words “you, you, you” and also asking to “go” and be “done.” Through this opportunity, Neena’s classmates are also learning about the different ways people can communicate. Mrs. Leah, Neena’s personal aide, supports her during her day and is accompanied by an amazing team of teachers, therapists, and of course her parents. What we love about having Neena at Zeeland Christian is the joy she brings to so many, and the opportunity to learn about the amazing ways God has created each of us and how we can learn with and from a variety of people!

8 | The Bell

30 Years of Inclusion

30 YEARS OF INCLUSION AT ZCS Barb Newman, Support Service Consultant Inclusion Pioneer Henry J. Nouwen Award Winner

I moved into my assigned classroom during the summer of 1989. Someone told me that my room had once been part of the school gym. School supplies and the ditto machine were in the old school kitchen, also connected to my classroom, and my office was to be the former ball closet. Mr. Teune would tell stories of threading the film reels into the projector as the whole school would gather for a movie in my new classroom space.

Compared to the ZCS of 2017, the building was quite different. I could enter the east door of the parking lot

by Mrs. Zoetewey’s Kindergarten classroom and make it down to Mr. Heeres’ middle school classroom in about two minutes. Teachers would leave school with chalk marks on clothing and fingers as well as purple ink from the dittos students would use during the day. If there was a computer in the building, I’m not sure where it was kept.

When they started to show up, we were all fascinated by that technology and would practice typing and saving our material on a floppy disk. Times have changed! It now takes nearly four minutes to make it from Mrs. Parrot’s preschool class to Mrs. Zastrow’s middle school class. Laptops and iPads abound. When someone mentions a “notebook”, they are typically not talking about the spiral bound pieces of paper

that were once so popular.

While the Zeeland Christian School of 1989 sounds quite “rustic”, something happened during that year that was cutting edge. In fact, we struggle to find any other school in the United States that was on this same path with us. Diane Pennings and I were invited in as teachers at ZCS to help begin the very first inclusive education program supported

by CLC Network. ZCS was now ready to welcome students with varied abilities and disabilities.

While I was not part of the discussions prior to showing up with my carload of classroom supplies, the board, administration, and staff had been considering this option together. The Christian Learning Center (now CLC Network) was offering them an opportunity to paint a living, breathing portrait of community as God pictured it for us in I Corinthians 12. Too many times in the past, the administrator would meet with a family and have to say, “We can educate 3 of your 4 children, but your 4th is unable to attend here.” Parents who were hungry for Christian education for each one of their precious children would walk away dashed by the conversation.

Now, however, this conversation would change. All 4 children would be welcome at ZCS. At least we would try.

Spring 2019 | 9

30 Years of Inclusion

When a new idea comes about in education, there is typically the opportunity to read about it, study the angles, and research the data. Inclusive education, however, was only being tried in a Catholic high school in Canada. While the administration of the Christian Learning Center did visit this high school, the best textbook we had was Scripture – one body together in Christ. We were the researchers.We were the ones who would become the experts that would equip a host of people who would come to visit over the years. Those first years, however, life was an adventure at school.

Our building now had students that showed the most amazing diversity. Classrooms would include children who may have more typical learning profiles as well as children with Down syndrome or autism. Wheelchairs, ground-breaking computers that would speak for a child, therapy brushes, weighted vests, alternate keyboards, and a host of new curriculum options flooded the school. And we were learning about living in this kind of a community every single day.

The teachers’ lounge was our best place of discovery. “My student decided to crawl out the window.” “My student got locked in the bathroom stall.” “My student had the most amazing answer to the Bible study question.” “My student seems to create the best classroom community I have ever experienced in my years of teaching.” We would brainstorm and then try ideas. Sometimes it was the classmates who had the best ideas. We became one giant I Corinthians 12 team – and there was no way the eye would ever say to the

hand “I don’t need you.” There was a desire to be able to say to parents who chose Christian education for all of their children, “We are the ‘body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.’”

We grew from including 18 students to soon having 40 students who would require more moderate to significant levels of support to be successful in school. We now have close to 80 students with varied abilities who belong in our building and teach us how to live in community with each other. The transformative power of this kind of living is evidenced every single day at ZCS. My first year at ZCS, it became clear to me that I had a very different job. While I had many responsibilities and support roles to play, I no longer had any students that would be considered “mine.” They all belonged to other teachers in the building. I had come from teaching at the Christian Learning Center in Grand Rapids where my classroom was comprised of 8 students with intellectual disabilities. Now, Mr. Sneller was the teacher and I was the support person.

The students had to teach me this lesson. A child fell on the playground and skinned his knee. He was crying and bleeding. Sandwiched between two-second grade peers, they came down the hallway. I had my arms open, ready to help and comfort. What I had not noticed is that Mr. Sneller, their 2nd-grade teacher, was across the hall from me with his arms open as well. They walked right past me and into his arms. He was, after all, their teacher – for all three children.

Mr. VanDyk, the administrator at that time, is quick to say how much inclusive education changed the entire social structure of our school. Prior to September of 1989, students would rush to sit by the “popular” student who may have the right shoes, a surplus of money in the family, and amazing good looks. It took just a few days before the most popular students in the school happened to sport a trio of chromosomes at the 21st pair. “I got to sit by Amber in chapel” “I got to be playground buddies with Tyler today.” Circles of Friends became the fabric of classrooms and friendships were formed in most amazing ways.

One former student came to visit me during his senior year in college. He was finally taking the required psychology class in order to graduate. He said, “Mrs. Newman, our school was not “normal”, was it!” “What do you mean, Joel?”

Well, I was the only one who raised my hand today in psych class when the professor asked if anyone had ever met someone with Down syndrome or autism spectrum disorder. I was shocked. To us, it was just normal to be friends with everyone in our class. Thank you for that

10 | The Bell

30 Years of Inclusion

experience. I feel bad for the others in my college class who never had those kinds of friendships.” No, perhaps we were not “normal”, but living on the edge with God’s plan sometimes involves risks. Yet, I have talked with countless students, parents, staff members, community members, and administrators at ZCS. Each one would tell of how this kind of living transforms lives.

Visitors often ask me to show them who is in the inclusion program. They are expecting me to point out the children with disabilities. I smile and patiently remark, “Listen to what you just asked me. You asked me who is included in this school and the answer to that is ….” They can fill in the blank. The answer is everyone! We are all part of the inclusion program, and we all benefit.

One of my favorite stops at the end of the school year is in the 8th grade. I will ask, “So, what has it been like having Scott part of your classroom since preschool?” The comments are incredible. “Our theme this year is selfless, and I believe that having Scott in my class has helped me to understand more about what that means.” “Scott is just as much a part of our class as anyone else. Why would you ask?” “Scott knows how to be such a great friend. When I was having a rough time after my grandma died, it was Scott who stuck so close to me until I felt better.” While all of the students could mention a time when they helped Scott, the comments typically answer an even larger question - ”Who benefits from having an inclusive education program at ZCS?” The answer again would be – everyone!

While many things have changed since 1989, the commitment and support for the I Corinthians portrait continue to be painted and grows even more beautiful. The picture is about friendships and growth. The picture is about God doing miracles in the lives of some students who were predicted to never speak or walk, and they do. The painting has layers and layers of the most amazing handiwork God has created.

And I have had the joy of watching these communities of care and learning grow and blossom before my eyes. Some days were easy, others were challenging. But the giant Godbody puzzle at work at ZCS allows us all to weather the storms – where there is celebration, we all celebrate. Where there are tears, we all feel the pain.

The learning that has taken place over the past 28 years has enriched our community, but we have also taken very

seriously the call to export what we have learned. The learning is housed in published books, trainings and talks across North America, and still welcome in the form of visitors to our building. We have taken the knowledge and beauty and “best practices” of inclusive education and translated them into congregational worship, youth groups, Sunday school, and Bible study materials for persons with dementia. In many ways, the ZCS community would be shocked to know how many stories and ideas flow like a fountain from 334 West Central Ave. to communities around the world. To us, it’s just “normal”. It’s how we have chosen to live and learn together. To some, however, they want to learn from us and become this kind of community in their part of the world.

It’s hard to fit into one article the passion and excitement I feel each time I step through the doorway of Zeeland Christian School. In one presentation I did, I photoshopped my head into a bubble bath, letting people know that ZCS is my home – a place where I can bathe myself in the beauty of inclusive community. While others in the world sometimes don’t understand that each person God created is to be considered honored, important, and indispensable to the body, the community of ZCS has understood this for years.

My friend Emily Colson, daughter of Chuck Colson, has a son named Max. Max is energetic and fun. He also adores vacuum cleaners. Touching them, using them, and learning about them comprise a day that is the best ever for Max. Max also happens to have autism. Emily and Max live out east in the Boston area where they have visited several vacuum cleaner stores. The owners always tell them to stay away from the area where they fix the vacuums because it would certainly be against policies. Yet, when Emily and Max visited West Michigan, she will tell you how very different it feels here. The stores, sidewalks, and parks are filled with interactions that seem to convey warmth and acceptance towards Max that she struggles to find always in Boston. In fact, when Max spotted a vacuum cleaner store in Holland, he bounded inside. The person in charge was so caught up with Max that he invited him to see where they fix the vacuums, knowing this would indeed be a very special day for Max. I like to imagine that our stores and interactions here are different. I like to imagine that Zeeland and Holland are different places because of the many people who lived and learned at ZCS the value of showing respect and honor to each person, regardless of ability or disability. May we continue to be a beacon in a thirsty world – a community that instructs those within as well as those without. To God be the glory!

Spring 2019 | 11

Thank You!

Thank you to all of our donors for your generous support of Zeeland Christian School!

Graafschap Church Spectrum Health Wells Fargo Haven Christian Reformed Church Bethany Christian Reformed Church Central Indiana Community Foundation Christian Evangelical Trust Graphix Embroidery Inc. Holland Christian Schools Illiana Cadet Council Howard Miller Company North Street Christian Reformed Church Walters Gardens Inc. Zeeland Ambucs Jason and Laurie Adams Shane and Laurey Ailes Dan and Jackie Alling Peter and Connie Anderson Tim and Dena Apotheker Arlyn and Kerri Arendsen Del and Muriel Arendsen Earl and Lou Arendsen Gene and Mariann Arendsen Mike and Krista Arendsen Owen and MaryLou Aukeman Doug and Shelly Baas Mark and Katie Baker Brad and Holly Balder Don and Sally Ball Donald and Beverly Bareman Leonard and Linda Bareman Chad and Sue Bartels Mark and Bev Baumann Nate and Claire Baumann Dan and Sheryl Beerens Ford and Pat Berghorst Lloyd and Dianne Bierma Ken Bing Cynthia Bither Norma Bither David and Kimberly Blaker Marie Blauwkamp Alvin and Arlene Blauwkamp Robert and Gracile Boehm Marc Boer Lyle and Ruth Boerman Richard and Melanie Boerman Todd and Erica Boerman Corwin and Kathy Boeskool Terry Boetsma Tracy and Sara Boetsma Jon and Lori Boeve Pat and Julie Bolling Marc and Tess Bolt David and Laurel Bonnema Keith Boonstra Ken and Linda Bosma

12 | The Bell

David and Heidi Bostrom Steve and Vicki Bouman Tom and Teresa Bouwens John and Beth Bouws John and Bonnie Bouws Rob and Gwen Brandt Geoffrey and Erin Bremer Phil Brewer Joyce Brinkman Larry and Carol Brinks Rudy and Diane Broekhuis Jeff and Amanda Brouwer Lynn and Betty Brouwer Ronald and Evelyn Brouwer Ryan and Jessica Brouwer Kimberly Brower Krista Brower Mike and Lori Brower Rod and Sherrie Brower Todd Brower Todd and Jennifer Brower Haley Brown Ralf and Donna Brown James and Cheryl Buist Janice Buist Paul Buiten P.L Bull John and Barbara Buteyn Ron and Joyce Buursma Will and Mary Jane Byker Charlie and Rhonda Byma Brian and Chris Cannon David and Ruth Capestany Yan Chen Michael and Brianna Chesser Chuck and Michelle Commeret Virgina Conklin Christopher and Brooke Cook Joel and Amanda Cooper Kim Corbridge Roger Covert Rodney and Liz Culver William J. Dahm Joyce Dark Eddie and Chris Davitt Robb and Jodi Dawson Dave and Emily De Blecourt Devin and Kris De Boer Richard and Janice De Boer Gary and Clarissa De Haan Terry and Bonnie De Jong John and Jan De Jonge John and Mary De Kievit Douglas De Kock Carol De Korte Paul and Krissy De Kruyter Scott and Gina De Meester

Dave and Barb De Vries Rick and Elly De Vries Schuyler and Julie De Vries Aaron and Rachael De Witt James and Lynae De Witt Jason and Martha De Witt Keith De Witt Steve and Melissa De Witt Family of John and Jerre De Young John and Rachel De Young David and Judy Deal Michael and Marcia DeJonge Jeffrey and Ashley Dekker Lew and Lori Dekker Craig and Kris Den Bleyker Drew and Deb Deters Irene Deters Merle and Sheri DeWitt Meribeth Diekema Paul and Kathie Dieleman Ronald Dirkse Jeff and Kathy Disher Larry and Linda Doornbos Dean and Jessica Dozeman Howard and Evonne Driesenga Peter and Andrea Driesenga Bill and Sharon Dryfhout Al Du Bois Richard and Bernice Dykema Richard and Carla Dykema Willard and Lois Dykens David and Barbara Dykhouse Joseph and Heather Dykhuis Arlene Dykstra Aurthur Dykstra David Dykstra Sheldon and Lynn Dykstra Benjamin Edewaard Jim and Stacy Edewaard Doug and Gail Elenbaas Randall and Erin Elenbaas David and Mary Jane Ellens Nick Ellerbrock Peter and Laura Elzinga Jim and Rhonda Engelsman Connie Essenburg Jacob Essenburg Bernie and Cheryl Feenstra Bob and Monica Fenton Robert and Stacey Fenton Paul and Brenda Formsma Andrew and Darcy Frank Andrew and Angela Franklin Don and Marianne Fredricks Linda Arendsen Garvelink Mike and Michelle Gebben Chad and Leah Geenen

Thank You!

Breakdown of Year End Donations Support Services (Inclusion) Endowment

Wish List

Mandarin Fund Misc.

General Fund

Tuition Assistance

603

$804,756.66

TOTAL YEAR END GIVING

TOTAL DONORS IN 2018

Spanish Fund

GCCS - Philippines

Chuck and Julie Geenen David and Linda Geerlings Timothy and Ruth Geerlings Larry and Marcia Genzink Mark and Donna Genzink Russ and Retha Genzink Ed and Mary Geskus Aric and Dana Geurink Joseph and Meredith Geurink Bob and Cindy Gilbert Lisa Glenn Dave and Jeanne Goodyke Waleed Gosaynie John and Lavonne Gras Matt Grassmid Robert and Alma Grassmid Brent and Monica Gravenhof Dan and Jane Gritter Steve Groen Carl and Sandra Gronsman Bill and Sally Gruppen Kathryn Gruppen Albert and Elda Haak Bonnie Harris Geoffry and Joanna Haveman George and Mary Heerema Bradley and Sara Heeres Jim and Linda Heeres Jared Helder Brian and Ann Hemmeke Kenneth and Chris Hemmeke Linda Hemmeke Domingo and Ashley Hernandez Nelson and Jean Herrema John and Gret Heuvelman Robert and Glady Heyboer

566 Individual Donors

Facility Improvements

Bob and Laurie Hieftje Marvin and Cristine Hinga Edward and Lois Hoeksema Harris Hoezee Dorothy Hofman John and Marcia Hofman Matt and Jen Holmes Marlene Holstine Phil and Sandy Holtrop Evert and Kathy Hoogland Esther Hoogland Lester and Vivian Hoogland Louis and Verla Hooker Glenn and Marg Hoort Tom and Jenny Hoort Scott Hoover Ryan and Stephani Hop Charnel Houben-Hop Bryan and Stacy Huffman Donald and Ruth Huisenga Andrew and Jessica Huizenga Bill and Natalie Huizenga Rick Huizenga Ryan and Amy Hulsman Jim Hutt Jack and Cindy Ippel David and Stephanie Irizarry Kyle Israels Brad and Lindsey Iverson Doug and Mary-Jo Iverson Peter and Beth Jenkins Alvin and Muriel Jipping Howard and Marian Johnson William and Sara (Vizithum) Johnson Thelma Johnson John and Joanne Joliat

37 Different Organizations

Timothy and Jennifer Jongsma Jim Jonker Jim and Jan Jonker Alyson Jordan Ted and Linda Joubran James Kalkman Paul and Linda Kalkman Kyle and Jordon Kamphuis Steve and Deb Kamstra Dave and Wendi Kapenga Jonathan and Stacey Karel Lee and Carol Karsten Nate and Lisa Karsten Tony and Cara Karsten Herbert and Dorothy Keeler Jeff and Kristen Keen Brent and Emily Kehrwecker Paul and Kathy Keyser Rex and Mary Kiekintveld Scott and Sally Kiekintveld Jim and Deborah Kiekover Jeff and Pam King Clyde and Jeanne Kinkema David and Kathryn Klamer Doug and Lisa Klamer Wilma Klamer Geneva Kleinjans John and Shirley Klingenberg Randy and Jane Klingenberg Dan and Maria Klompmaker Gord Kloostra Tim and Vicki Klynstra Lester and Joan Knot Bill and Pam Knott Gerald and Maryellen Kolk Brad and Jill Koning

Spring 2019 | 13

Thank You! Harold and Barbara Koning Paul and Jodi Koning Phil and Lil Koning Harv and Sandee Konynenbelt Stan and Jayne Konynenbelt Steve and Joanne Kooi Brian and Cathy Koop Dan and Michelle Koop Jonathan and Betsy Koop Steve and Rebecca Kraal Joe and Yvonne Kramer Dale Kruithof Harvey and Karen Kruithof Ryan and Allison Kruithof Daniel and Sarah Kuiper Brad and Rebecca Kuipers James and Sandy Kuipers Sheila Kuipers Karl and Jan Kuzee Al and Joan Laarman Doug and Pat Laarman Jeremy and Sarah Laarman Ryan and Kendra Laarman Brian and Sue Lamar Chris and Deb Lamer Sherwyn and Melanie Lamer James and Florence Lampen Jim Jr. and Donna Lampen Steve and Kathy Langeland David and Dianne Langworthy Mike and Cara Larsen Jack and Carolyn Lauf Greg and Kristine Leegwater Greg and Jen Leenstra Terri Leenstra Tim and Bev Leep Alexander Lemmen Doug and Jackie Lemmen Jeff and Shelly Leys Eugene and Shirley Los Scott and Wendi Los Howard and Judy Lubbers Matthew and Michelle Lubbers Curt and Jamie Lucas Ronald and Sue Lucas Bruce and Nancy Lutke Jeff and Beth Maat David and Jan Machiela John and Jan Machiela Christopher and Jennifer Mack Rosalie Mannes Curt and Jean Mans Harold and Joyce Mast Andy and Tara Mauro Tim and April Mc Aboy Matt McCaleb Pauline Meeuwsen Howard and Julie Mersbergen Chad and Sally Meyer David and Kelli Meyer Jim and Nancy Meyer Richard and Winifred Meyer Randy and Lynae Meyers

14 | The Bell

Vern and Linda Meyers Chad and Tricia Miller David and Marjorie Miller Melinda Miller Mindy Miller Howard Miller Company Gail Minkus Randy and Dana Moeller Karyl Morin Calvin and Terrie Morrow Jeff and Marci Mulder Keith and Sara Mulder Paul and Heather Mulder Robert and Sheryl Mulder Ryan and Kim Mulder Dave and Leanne Muma Shari Murdock Daniel and Mary Myers Rich and Ann Nagelkerk Gordon Nagelkirk Harold and Bonnie Nagelkirk Preston and Shirley Nagelkirk Marc and Tracy Nelesen Jim and Marj Newhouse John and Robin Nicely Dave and Deb Nienhuis Douglas and Elizabeth Notman Elmer and Leona Nyhof Mark and Amanda Nyhof Terry and Kim Nyland Kayla O’Guin Jason and Julie Onstott Craig and Betsy Oosterhouse Rhonda Ortiz Steven and Janine Osterink James and Nancy Otte Herbert Otten Jim and Jennifer Overway Mark and Vickie Overway Robert and Elizabeth Paisner Marcia Palmbos Seth and Kami Palmer John and Diane Papay Dan and Rose Peerbolte Gloria Pelon Larry and Betty Petroelje Ron and Katha Petroelje Joel and Julie Phillips Chad and Jodi Pierce Wilma Plantenga Chuck and Sue Plockmeyer Ashley Post Jerry and Marilyn Postema Jaci Potter Mart and Mary Praamsma Ron and Carla Price David and Ann Pyle Paul and Nancy Pyle Joel and Joy Pyper Gordon Raterink James and Lori Raterink Jim and Amy Redder Ken and Barb Rininger

Beth Ritsema Gary and Joyce Roelofs Scott and Mary Roon Lutin and Joanne Ross Allen and Jeanne Rotman Andrew and Sarah Rugg Loren and Sandy Sall Wayne Sall Dan and Linda Schaap Patrick and Jennifer Schafer Bill and Kimberly Schenk Ethel Scholten Steve and Karen Scholten Kevin and Sharon Schonewill Tim and Lisa Schoonveld Ken and Mary Schreur Ronald Schreur Phyllis Schrotenboer Bruce Schrotenboer Jeff and Becky Schrotenboer Travis and Corah Senik David and Trisha Shaeffer Bryan and Betsy Shafer Jared and Janelle Sievert Donna Skiles Barbara Slagh Brian and Haley Slagh Vern and Deb Slagh Wade and Nancy Slagh Doug and Lori Slenk Ed and Ruth Slenk Jason and Lindsey Slenk Mike and Belva Slenk Charles and Susan Sloop Scott and Susan Sluiter Muriel Smart Ben and Heather Smith Brandon and Megan Smith Mark and Ann Sneller John and Judy Spoelhof Brad and Traci Spooner Gary and Shanda Sprick James and Dana Staat Clarence and Ethel Steenwyk James and Nancy Steenwyk Bob and Nancy Steinbrecher Michael and Jana Stejskal Bruce and Nicole Stewart Doug and Melissa Stob Rick and Sandy Stob Tim and Tiffany Stob Cathy Stoel Joe and Barb Stuive Sherrie Stuursma Terry and Sherrie Swisher Jack and Rebecca Sytsema Lyle and Beth Ten Haken Mark and Kelli Ten Haken Jane Ten Harmsel Al and Mary Ter Haar Beatrice Ter Haar Matt and Arlene Ter Haar Brenda Ter Horst

Thank You! Michael Ter Horst Glenn and Grace Terborg Pete and Ruth Terpstra Ron and Sherri Tibbe Arlene Timmer Jim and Sue Timmer Lou and Lisa Timmer Mike and Donna Timmer Benjamin Timmerman Dave and Wendy Timmerman Mitchel and Sarah Timmerman Aaron and Kelli Tinholt John and Tara Toner Kerry and Vickie Toner Mike and Carrie Traver Karl and Von Tubergan Duane and Gaylene Tucker Bill and Judy Van Appledorn Erik and Olivia Van Appledorn Russ and Connie Van Dam Bill and Mary Ellen Van Dyk Sarah Van Dyk Steve and Kristi Van Dyk Bryan and Kaylin Van Dyke Daryl and Brenda Van Dyke John and Rose Van Haitsma R.C & I. Van Haitsma Todd and Karen Van Haitsma Steve Van Heck Nick and Brittany Van Huis Steve and Cheri Van Loo David and Mary Van Solkema Norm and Luanne Van Solkema Tim and Joanne Van Vliet Loren and Janet Van Wyk Roger and Betty Van Wyk Esther Vande Bunte Brent and Melinda Vande Wege John and Barbara Vande Werken

Kalvin and Terri Vanden Bosch Ken and Carole Vanden Bosch Mark and Sara Vanden Bosch Joan Vanden Bosch Brian and Tammy Vanden Brink Don and Joy Vanden Brink Steve and Stephanie Vanden Brink Dennis and Angeline Vanden Heuvel Barb Vander Jagt Tom Vander Kolk Luke and Sarah Vander Kooy Martin Vander Meulen Rodger and Margy Vander Ploeg Gary and Mickey Vander Veen Andy and Elizabeth Vander Zwaag Brad and Jenny Vander Zwaag Gregg and Monica Vander Zwaag Jim and Pam Vander Zwaag Melvin and Loie Vander Zwaag Robert and Linda Velderman Audrey Veldhof Norman and Lynn Ver Hage Randy and Rosie Ver Wys Jonathan and Kerrie Verlee Jeff and Ruth Vikstrom Marvin Visser Scott and Marcia Vlietstra Marlan Vork Carolyn Voss Adrian Vredeveld Loren and Lisa Vredevoogd Travis and Anna Vruggink David and Linda Vugteveen Betty Wabeke Lois Wagner Joan Walcotta Lou Wallinga Brent and Sara Walter Michael and Bonnie Walters

Randall Walters Matthew and Sarah Weeda Howard Weener Marilyn Westenbroek Mark and Tonya Westerbeke Wendi Whitaker Ben and Cara Wickstra Chris and Laurie Wierda Elizabeth Wierda Doug and Lucy Wierda Ken Wierda Theodore and Gladys Wierda Warren and Norma Wierda Jake and Betsy Wiersema Marilyn Wiersma Matt Wiersma Dean and Mary Wilkos Ronald and Laura Wilmot Donald and Jackie Windemuller Donald and Melissa Wire Kevin and Jillyne Wisdom Shari Witte Dave and Kris Wolbert Keith and Erin Wolters Daniel and Lisa Woolsey Tony and Ann Worthington Glenn Wyngarden Jeff and Joan Wyrick Pierce Wysong Thomas and Ruth Ysseldyke Jim and Marilyn Zinger Gene Zoerhof Edward and Joyce Zylstra James and Marty Zylstra

THANK YOU 2018 AUCTION SPONSORS

AD Bos Vending Ageless Autos Andy Spears Farm Bureau Anna’s House Antkoviak & Antkoviak PC Arrowaste Autumn Hills Back to Health BAM/Century Lanes Barber Ford Baseball Concepts Beechwood Inn Berlin Raceway Biggby Coffee Bill’s Greenhouse Bittersweet Ski BJW Berghorst & Sons Bob’s Butcher Block Boulder Ridge Boulevard Auto Electric Branns Steakhouse

Buffalo Wild Wings Busscher Septic Calvin College Camp Bow Wow Camp Geneva Captain Sundae Carpet Bonanza Centerstone Family Dentistry Century Driving School Chemical Bank Cherry Republic Christian Brothers Auto City on a Hill Café CL Construction Compaan Door Congressman Huizenga Connan Ltd Coopersville & Marne Railway Cornerstone Contracting Country Dairy Cran Hill Ranch

Crazy Horse Crestview Golf Course Crust 54 Curnick’s Flower Farm Dan Vos Construction De Bruyn Seed DeNooyer Chevrolet DeVries Photography Dog House Resort Don’s Flowers Donkersloot Law Dr. Matthew Lubbers Drip Coffee Dykgraaf Excavating Eagle Design & Technology EGLtech EnGedi Salon Engelsman Greenhouse Evergreen Sprinkling Excellawn and Landscape Fairfield Inn by Marriott

Farmers Co-Op Ferris Busscher & Zwiers Fields Fabric Fitness Together Forest Dunes GDK Construction Gebben’s Concrete Gentex Corporation Gerald R. Ford Museum Glupker Orthodontics Godwin Plumbing Gordon Food Service GR Art Museum GR Children’s Museum GR Public Museum Grand Rapids Symphony Grand Villa Restaurants Grassmid Greenhouse Greenmark Equipment Griffs Icehouse West Holland Aquatic Center

Continued on pg. 22

Spring 2019 | 15

#ourZCSstory

Our ZCS Story

16 | The Bell

#ourZCSstory

Our ZCS Story

Spring 2019 | 17

Sponsors

18 | The Bell

Sponsors

Spring 2019 | 19

Sponsors

20 | The Bell

Sponsors

Spring 2019 | 21

Sponsors

Andy Spears covers Michigan Auto, Home, Life, Business, Farm and more Andy Spears 380 Garden Ave, Holland (616) 396-3333 InsureWestMichigan.com

Please use this coupon for $5 off your next purchase of $20 or more at ditto.

Hours: Monday - Friday: 10am - 6:30pm Saturday: 10am - 6pm Sunday: Closed 22 | The Bell

dittoresale.com

Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors for making The Bell possible.

If your business would like to advertise in The Bell, please contact Peter Jenkins, Dir. of Advancement at pjenkins@zcs.org.

Spring 2019 | 23

ZEELAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 334 W CENTRAL AVENUE ZEELAND, MI 49464

APRIL

12

Mark your calendar!

The 31st ZCS Auction is April 12 Schedule 5pm - BBQ Dinner & Silent Auction 6:15pm - Buy-A-Line Auction 7pm - Live Auction

THANK YOU 2018 AUCTION SPONSORS cont.

Holland Christian Holland Motor Homes Holland Sentinel Home & Co Hope College Hops at 84 East Hotel Furniture Outlet Hudsonville Lanes Hungry Howie’s Integrity Landscape James Street Inn Jb & Me Jean Marie’s Jimmy John’s John Ball Zoo John Hoeksema Johnny Carino’s Jonker’s Garden JW Greenhouse Kessel & Bouwens Kiekover Scholma Shumaker Kilwins of Holland Koele Godfrey Investment La Creme Lakeshore Health Partners Landscape Design Services Langeland Sterenberg Funeral Lenz Balder Insurance

Lily’s Limo Macatawa Bank Macatawa Driving School Macatawa Legends Main Street Auto Repair Main Street Bicycle Maple Lake Tree Farm Maplewood Auto Mark’s Detailing Mast Heating & Cooling Master Arts Theater McDonalds Meijer Merle Boes Meyaard Tolman & Venlet Meyer Music Miner Supply MVP Athletic Club Natural Nails Nelis’ Dutch Village Northland Lanes OK Tire On The Border Ortez Insurance Agnecy Out of the Box Outback Greenhouse Paint a Pot Peach Wave

Peek-A-Boutique Personal Watercraft Repair Petrino’s Pigeon Creek Golf Course Priscilla’s Boutique Pro Line Public Qdoba Quality Car Wash Quality Door Ravines Golf Club Rebounderz Red Robin Redmon Heating & Cooling Request Foods Russ’ Rustiek Salt & Pepper Sandy Pines Saugatuck Dune Rides Seventy-Six Shedd Aquarium Shepler’s Ferry Sight Eye Clinic Southside Nails Sports Quest Teerman’s Teusink’s Pony Farm

The Biscuit The City Deli The Farmhouse The Great Escape The Lost City The Shack The Soft Spot Tip Toes TNT Roofing Trestle Stop Tri-Ponds Family Camp Resort Tulip City Air Service Tulip Time Festival Turning Pointe School of Dance UBU Furniture Urban Found Van Hill VanderHyde Ford Venema Service Station Ver Hage Motors Vitale’s Pizza West MI Fleet Parts West MI Pediatric Dentistry West MI Whitecaps WestSide Service Center Winding Creek Golf Club Windmill Island Winning at Home

WJQK Wolfies WW Greenhouse Wyrick Auto Zeeland Farm Services Zeeland Fire Rescue Zeeland Hardware Zeeland Lanes Zeeland Lumber Zeeland Recreation Zeeland Veterinary Service

Zeeland Christian School 334 W Central Ave Zeeland, MI 49464 P 616.772.2609 zcs.org