Our vision is to equip young men and women to impact their world for God’s glory.
Our mission is to partner with parents in providing an academic and spiritual education that inspires students to be conformed to the image of Christ, equips them to discover truth through the lens of Scripture, and develops their potential for further educational pursuits.
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Administrator’s Update
The 2023-2024 school year is off to a great start as we focus on the theme of unity expressed in Ephesians 4:1-6. This passage describes the common bond that can exist within the Church, the family and the individual. At FAITH, we pray that we may partner well with both the family and the church to disciple individuals. It is only through God’s grace that we can all come together (unify) to encourage, equip and train these young men and women to impact this world for God’s glory. As the year continues, we look to grow a spiritual unity through chapels, devotions and lots of discipleship. This truly is the essence of why this school has a special place in our community. We not only promote academic excellence, but we build up our students spiritually. Every single day, we can open God’s Word to present truth, which builds beliefs and values, ultimately leading to action. The correct truth is the foundation, and we get to influence that each day.
It is my prayer that this year builds on the wonderful history of FAITH Christian Academy. We are about to embark on some great milestones, with the potential to inspire awe in the work God has done in and through this school. As the year continues, I pray the enthusiasm for gospel work grows, and that the glory of our great God shines through these young Saints as they are launched and produce fruit in their season. Clint Steinke
We have zealously launched the school year with a commitment to growth, excellence, and emerging initiatives!
Principal’s Update
Our staff are highly committed to providing a Christ-centered education. Through activities this fall, they have shared their energy and passion for discipleship, alongside investing in enrichment opportunities for student learning. We are grateful for such a high caliber and dedicated staff. We continue to look ahead to provide transformational experiences for students at all grade levels. After curriculum review this past year, we have updated learning materials in grades K-12 to be focused on Christ and infused with a Biblical worldview. We continue to pursue teaching excellence through ACSI certification and strategic professional development. We are preparing our graduates for the workplace through our Youth Apprenticeship Program with NTC and for college readiness through dual enrollment options. We are investing in 21st century skills. This fall, we have actively moved towards increased technology integration with the deployment of 100 iPads. We have begun our transition to an Apple Managed iPad school to increase engaged learning. This year we have launched a K-12 STEAM initiative, along with Vex Robotics Teams. Finally, we are placing an even stronger emphasis on the “Great Commission.” We have purposefully expanded our missions model to include international, national, local and internal discipleship of our students. Students are actively preparing for missions work in the spring. Thank you for partnering with us to equip young men and women to impact their world for God’s glory! Zach Zebro
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SPIRITUAL LIF
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FE & MISSIONS
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STE
SCIENCE TECH ENGINEERING ART MATHEMATICS
K-12 IPAD INTEGRATION Integrating technology and the arts is gaining momentum at FAITH. When elementary students arrived this fall, 50 iPads were ready to use in the classroom. Soon, high school and middle school students will have access to 50 additional iPads as well. The purchase of the iPads aligns with FAITH’s goal of developing 21st century learning through meaningful and engaging experiences. Mr. Zebro says it’s about creating an educational environment with opportunities for “critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.” More than that, students will have opportunities to build life skills such as adaptability, initiative, and leadership. Vision for bringing 100 iPads into the school began a few years ago as school leaders considered emerging trends, educational research, and best practices for student learning. It is hoped that the deployment of iPads will bring deeper levels of STEAM integration, digital citizenship, and future readiness for an ever-evolving workplace.
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EAM
SCIENCE TECH ENGINEERING ART MATHEMATICS
With degrees in both Education and Software Engineering, Mr. Kim has brought to FAITH his expertise in STEAM and Robotics. His methodical, engaging, and future-oriented approach to teaching is impacting students. He will be launching a competitive Vex Robotics Team later this Fall.
Mrs. Kellenberger, our elementary Art teacher, has been instrumental in introducing young students to using iPads for learning and creating. Because iPads offer both creative and educational tools, she believes they are a natural fit for increasing student engagement. Mrs. Kellenberger’s interest in integrating technology and artistic design led her to earning her Apple Teacher Certification, a rigorous process that involved taking a year of classes, leading professional development, and honing skills in communication and collaboration. Her depth of knowledge with software programs helps her coach colleagues in integrating iPads into curriculum. Mrs. Kellengerger says it is a joy to watch the faces of students light up when they create something with an iPad that has made learning their own. “I thrive on the energy created through student engagement,” she says. Funding for the iPads has come through a variety of grants and donor partnerships, including the Emmerich Trust Fund, the Walter Alexander Foundation, and the Dieck Family. “God has provided for FAITH through so many generous and gifted individuals. We praise Him for His continued goodness in guiding Faith Christian Academy,” says Mr. Zebro.
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ATHLETICS
“I love how soccer is a team sport and we have to work together to score goals.” -Nathaniel Boismenue, Grade 8
“Volleyball is a fun sport that allows us to think critically and strategically about what to do next.” -Whitley Johnson, Grade 12
“Running with friends is the best part of cross country.” -Gabe Fisher, Grade 8
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“Running cross country allows me to be closer to God and connect with Him.” -Emerson Paul, Grade 11
“I love the soccer environment, the team work, and the running that all plays a part of soccer.” -Brynnley Paul, Grade 9
“I love the fast pace of volleyball and cheering on my friends.” - Delaney Meyer, Grade 7
Volleyball Seniors: Claire Arends- “The thing I’m going to miss the most about high school sports is the community I’ve built and the support I’ve gotten from my teammates.” Denali Tappe- “I've learned discipline, patience, and teamwork playing volleyball.” Whitley Johnson- “The best part of volleyball was the support I got from my teammates.” Maya Richards- “I’ve learned how much fun working as a team can be when playing volleyball.”
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EVENTS
STUDENT LIFE AT FAITH
HOMECOMING
This month, high school students participated in their very first homecoming at FAITH Christian Academy. A week of fun events celebrated school spirit and showcased our fall athletes. Mrs. Hutchinson, the Athletic Director at FAITH, spearheaded the efforts to begin a homecoming tradition. Her goal was to form a homecoming committee to give students something to look forward to. She enjoyed seeing the students’ energy and “going all out.” Homecoming week kicked off on October 9th with Parent Chapel on the IBC campus. Other events included dressup days, decorating a class flag with a board game theme, and a pep rally on Friday with a dodgeball tournament and the crowning of a King and Queen.
The student body voted Oliver Turpeinen as King and Claire Arends as Queen. Mrs. Hutchinson noted that they are students in good standing who participate in extracurriculars and lead by example. School spirit was not just for high school students. Elementary students had fun with dress-up days too, and the FAITH community rallied around the volleyball teams for Pack the Place, which had standing room only. Volleyball athletes were cheered on by an energized crowd as they showed their athleticism in some very close games. The tradition of Homecoming at FAITH is off to a great start!
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ELEMENTARY HIGHLIGHTS
ALUMNI
SPOTLIGHT J.R. PANGBORN by Carsen Teichroew
Graduating in 2022, Jonathan (J.R.) Pangborn is now building Wausau one house at a time. He works full-time at Denyon Homes, while he prepares for his dream job. J.R. attended FAITH from 2019 to 2022. Basketball and friends were some of the things J.R. loved most. He is grateful for the opportunity he had to take the Ramsey Personal Finance and Entrepreneurship course. J.R. left his legacy with the student body through launching a snack shop for purchasing goodies during lunch. This idea kicked off during FAITH’s Personal Finance class. J.R. lobbied for the name “Qwicker Trip,” and it has stuck. Students continue to spend money at the Qwicker Trip, which is part of annual fundraising for FAITH missions trips. Since graduating, J.R. has worked at Denyon Homes. He likes his current job, but his dream has always been to be a pilot. He is currently taking pilot classes and has even had the chance to fly a plane.
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT GH
GRACE ALFARO Grace Alfaro, our new teacher in second grade, has a passion for shining God's love on others. Mrs. Alfaro says her favorite part about teaching is the smile on her students’ faces as they grow in their faith when she shares God's love with them. She has a background in children's ministry, casework, and helping at-risk youth. She and her husband are currently working to start church services for the Hispanic community at the Thrive Church in Wausau. Outside of school, Mrs. Alfaro enjoys traveling, swimming, and hiking.
MINDY ROHR Mindy Rohr is teaching second grade at FAITH this year. She joins our team with a variety of experiences in schools, including Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Mrs. Rohr says her favorite part about working here is encouraging students to be the person God made them to be. Her own children attend FAITH, so she loves seeing them between classes. Mrs. Rohr enjoys being outdoors, creating jewelry, and reading aloud to kids. She read over 30 children's chapter books over the summer to help her students find a spark for reading.
MELISSA MYERS Melissa Myers is our new fourth grade teacher at FAITH. She loves working with upper elementary students, and her favorite part about FAITH is that the Bible is central in everything we do here. She has a college degree in piano and elementary education. Her husband is the pastor at First Baptist Church in Medford, and they have two boys. She plays the piano on the worship team and is part of the children's ministry at her church. In her free time, she enjoys traveling. She has checked off visiting 41 states and 6 countries, and hopes to add more soon!
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT PO PO
ALEX TROTTER
Recently arriving from Salt Lake City, Alex Trotter joined FAITH this summer as the Director of Discipleship. Mr. Trotter has lived in Minnesota, Illinois, Utah, and now Wisconsin. He is currently in seminary studying to be a pastor. Motivated to prioritize a relationship with God, Mr. Trotter is here to serve the students’ spiritual needs, focusing on discipleship. He welcomes students’ questions about faith and our school. “I love getting to spend every day with the students!” he says. Along with ministry, Mr. Trotter is passionate about leading worship and enjoying coffee.
EUGENE KIM Mr. Eugene Kim comes from South Korea, but he has lived in six different countries in Asia—including Japan and China. Living in America is the second chapter of his life. Wanting to teach at a Christian school, Mr. Kim applied at FAITH. He sees Christian education as his calling: to prepare the next generation for Christ. This year he is working with students in Science 6, 7, & 8, as well as Biology. Mr. Kim loves the energy of FAITH students because they are ready to engage in learning and respect each other. He will be leading our new Robotics Club this year. Even though he loves technology, he also loves playing sports like basketball, golf, and soccer!
BETHANY SNYDER Bethany Snyder has joined the elementary staff to teach fifth grade this year. She graduated with a degree in graphic design and biblical theological studies, and spent the first 10 years of her career dedicated to improving children’s lives through afterschool programs in the Twin Cities. Her work with youth prepared her for being in the classroom at FAITH. Ms. Snyder’s favorite part of teaching is getting to know the kids, discovering each of their unique personalities, and watching them grow. She enjoys gardening, drawing, traveling, reading, and playing volleyball.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
NEW TEACHER MENTORING PROGRAM by Jacob Seiler
Once a month, new teachers meet with their mentors at Faith Christian Academy to discuss best practices for educators. The program kicked off in August and will support new staff throughout the coming school year. Mr. Zebro and Ms. Kendra Turpeinen worked together to design a plan that will provide consistent help and resources for the newest hires at FAITH. The mentors in the program have several years of experience in education and are helping new teachers become familiar with their roles. As much as possible, they are matched based on a common grade and subject area. Although the program officially started a couple of months ago, it's already been a success. Mr. Roettjer, who is teaching Chemistry this year, says that he's excited to have a mentor for advice and support. Mr. Zebro has a long-term vision for the program. Mentors will pour into their mentees, in the hope that those teachers will do the same for other new teachers down the road. “NTM is one of many new initiatives helping us to cultivate a collaborative and continuously improving community.” This new program has the potential to make Faith Christian Academy even more of "a flourishing school.”
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LEAD
ERSHIP IN ACTION
DELANEY MEYER
Delaney Meyer is a 7th grade student who is leading by serving others. She has started what she calls a Cup of Sunshine. Delaney brings her own espresso machine to school to make delicious coffee drinks that put a smile on the face of staff. As a LEAD student, she enjoys serving others with a joyful spirit. Delaney demonstrates thoughtfulness and generosity to others. Her idea for Cup of Sunshine came from a mission trip she participated in this past summer.
LIAM ROHR Liam Rohr is a 4th grade student who is leading by his example of working hard and respecting others. Liam’s teacher says that although he is a new student at FAITH, he has risen as a leader who influences his peers in a positive way. He consistently does his best in his schoolwork, giving his peers an example of excellence.
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www.faithca.org Articles in this magazine were created by high school writing students at FAITH.