HIGHLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

December 2009

Grandparents’ DayLetters and Prayersfor Our Troops

Red Ribbon WeekCrossCountry

Honor Roll

How to Be

2 schoolbell December 2009

Carter Mullins from Portage is a kindergartener in Mrs. Brown’s half day class. The Mullins’ family is new to Highland Christian School this year.

fromthe cover

You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; and they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same,

and Your years will not fail.Hebrews 1:10-12

From Our Halls,to Your Home

As we enter this blessed Christmas season, we are reminded of the greatest truth of all: God so loved the world, he gave us His only Son Jesus.

Infi nite God entering time and space in the person of Jesus. He came so that we could know Him; so that we could be forgiven and our fellowship restored. This truth resides at the heart of Highland Christian School year round.

On the following pages you will see snapshots of our students in action. Invisible to the eye is the heart training and faith development that occurs moment by moment as the Holy Spirit ministers to every child through our devoted faculty and staff.

We rejoice at Jesus birth and wait expectantly for His return!

May you know the peace and hopeHe brings this season.

Band Trip to the SymphonyOn Thursday, October 16, the Beginner and the Junior High Band were on their way to the

Northwest Indiana Symphony for the children’s concert on “Building an Orchestra.” The students weren’t quite sure what to expect, but were intrigued when they sat in the auditorium and were greeted by the Director, Mr. Kirk Muskprat. The concert began with the full orchestra, and then Mr. Muskprat began to explain to the students how the orchestra has changed from the very beginning. His orchestra then started out small, and as the “times” changed, his orchestra began to build. With the introduction of a new time period and new instruments would come a new song. Some songs were familiar to the students, and some were a bit unfamiliar, but nevertheless, the students had an incredible time and asked, “Can we come back next year?” We had a fabulous time and the hands-on learning was evident to all of our chaperones that came with us.

December 2009 schoolbell 3

friends in action

Grandparents’ DayOn Friday, October 17, Grandparents and Grandfriends were invited to Highland

Christian to celebrate with all of the students. Our theme of “Celebrating God’s Faithfulness” was remembered throughout the day. The day started out with breakfast and devotions and our program began soon after, with our entire student body and staff joining us in the gym to open with our School Song and the song “God’s Love is Like a Circle.” The program focused on God’s Faithfulness to Highland Christian from our beginning years up until the year 2009. We learned about what classrooms would have looked like, how our school has changed, and how the community around our school has changed as well. After the program, all of the Grandparents were invited to join their grandchildren in their classrooms and take a peek at what’s happening. Grandparents’ Day was another great day and we look forward to next year!

“Come and see what God has done, how awesome His works in man’s behalf!” Ps. 66:5

100th AnniversaryCelebration Continues!

Highland Christian School has been having a wonder-ful celebration of its 100 years! We began the year in August with an Ice Cream Social. Attendance was great and the PTO and School Board served over 50 buckets of ice cream. After the social, everyone lined Ridge Road and fi lled Main Square Park for an awesome fi reworks show! We really started the school year off with a bang!

In September, almost 300 people attended the Celebra-tion Dinner which was held in the lower gym of Illiana Chris-tian High School. After good food and fellowship, Master of Ceremonies Tom Van Prooyen challenged the crowd with some HCS Trivia. Comedian David Farrell entertained and provided lots of laughs. His personal testimony of his Chris-tian education reminded us all about why HCS is important.

Highland Huskies came back to school for an Open House held on Thanksgiving Weekend. The 100th Anniver-

sary Committee was excited that former teachers and alumni traveled from Michigan, Canada, and other areas to attend.

100th Anniversary Commemorative Books are now on sale in the school offi ce for $14. This book contains an enter-taining account of HCS history, historic and current pictures, as well as the names of all who graduated from HCS. The 100th Anniversary Calendar is now on sale for $5 and is still a valuable resource for athletic dates, vacation dates, and Orange T-shirt Days. Both items would make great Christmas gifts for grandparents and friends!

What’s up next in the Celebration? Mark your new calen-dars now to attend the 100th Anniversary Worship Celebra-tion which will be held on Sunday, May 2, 2010, at Faith Church in Dyer. We hope you’ll join us as we close out the Celebration Year giving praise and honor to our God!!

friends in action

4 schoolbell December 2009

The Ultimate School Assembly Program!

These words are taken directly from our latest planned event, High Action Bikes Bicycle Stunt Show! PTO is excited to announce this Family Fun Night event, Friday, February, 26th at 7pm.

Effective, educational and exciting, this event delivers positive messages to kids while performing a thrilling BMX bike stunt show, ramps included, that kids of all ages can relate to. These riders have performed on television, competing at the X-games and the Dew Action Sports Tour. These performers deliver a positive message to students about succeeding in life by remaining drug free and never giving up on their goals as well as educating drug awareness, no bullying, healthy responsible choices, and bicycle and helmet safety.

We hope that you’ll take advantage of this fun-fi lled night and bring your family out for a night of fun, excitement and fellowship! God has done great things and the talent he has bestowed on these performers will surely not disappoint!

etc... a resale marketplace

is thankful for...Volunteers!

etc... a resale marketplace is dependent on volunteers for its success and vitality. In this holiday season, we wish to thank each of you who have contributed to our growth! Together you have logged over 1500 hours of volunteer hours! What an amazing team! Let us introduce you to a few such folks...

Who: Ardess Van Prooyen

Dept: Shoes & Handbags

Specialty: great sense of humor, a “young” Minnie Pearl

Often seen: donning hats and sharing a laugh

Ardess says: “Volunteering at etc... has been a time of making new acquaintances, of having fun (and OH THE LAUGHS) and of sharing stories and memories. I thank God for this opportunity to serve Him, the family of HCS and the local community.”

Who: Burt VanProoyenDept: Art...(pictures and frames that is!)

Specialty: faithfully serving for the good of HCS

Often seen: on “team” duty with his wife, Ardess

Who is: Jan Gallatin? • people person • former downtown Chicago law fi rm employee • moved into the area from Monee • widow for the last 7 years

Jan says: “Being at etc has given me a purpose. I tell customers that whatever they give to our cause will come back to them twofold!”Phil 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Who: Ron De Young (affectionately known as “Hey Ron”)

Dept: “machine doc”

Specialty: meeting every day and every volunteer with great love and encouragement

Often seen: leather jacket and leather hat in hand; teasing staff and volunteers without mercy

Ron says: “My favorite verse is Job 1:21 ‘I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be stripped of everything when I die. The Lord gave me everything I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!’”

Sharing God’s Blessings Thanksgiving is a season for refl ecting on all of the

blessings God has given during the past year. Even in tough economic times God has been blessing us. To show gratitude for these blessings, the Highland Christian School family collected gifts of food and warm clothing for Roseland Christian Ministries in Roseland, IL, and for the Beacon Light Food Pantry in Gary.

A Thanksgiving Chapel was held at school on Wednesday, November 25. Many special guests attended this chapel. A friend of Squanto came and told us about Squanto’s experiences as they related to a very early Thanksgiving in our country’s history. We also had guests from Roseland and from Beacon Light come to accept our gifts for them.

Once again, the tables were loaded with food and clothes to share with others. God blessed us so that we could be a blessing to others.

December 2009 schoolbell 5

students in actionLetters and Prayers for Our Troops

This year Kindergarten, First, and Fifth grade are writing to some of the servicemen that have graduated from Highland Christian School. They keep a picture of the serviceman in their rooms and remember to pray for him. A couple classrooms were fortunate to have a visit from their “adopted” serviceman; PFC Steve Zandstra came to Mrs. Zandstra’s class and met with the students. He was able to answer their questions and even mailed them a letter when he came out of rehabilitation. PFC Cody Brummel visited Mrs. Otte’s class and taught each of them how to salute and to answer promptly when answering a question.

Fifth grade had a cookie sale to raise money so that small Christmas gifts can be mailed to the “adopted” servicemen. The classrooms mailed the gifts in the middle of November so that they will reach the men in time. There are quite a few Highland Christian School graduates in the service and it is important to keep each of them and their families in our prayers.Mrs Brown’s class has adopted: PFC Michael Hart CPL Joey VanEck- Class of 2004Mrs. Zandstra’s class has adopted: PFC Steve Zandstra – Class of 2004Mrs. Huizenga’s class has adopted: Peter Van Dyken – Class of 2004Mrs. Otte’s class has adopted: Cody Brummel – Class of 2005 Chad Kuiper – Class of 2003Mrs. Moore’s class has adopted: Kevin Buldek – Mrs. Moore’s son-in-law

Please also remember PFC Andrew Hart – Class of 2003 and Specialist Aaron Hart – Class of 2000.

S.E.C. Visits the Apple Orchard The preschool went on our annual fall fi eld trip to the County Line

Apple Orchard with all six classes. The Mon/Wed/Fri classes went to the orchard on September 23rd with the Tue/Thurs classes went October 1st. We were a little worried about the weather but both days ended up being beautiful. The rain held off and we all got to pick our apples, go in the pet-ting zoo, and eat our delicious snack of apple donuts and cider.

At the orchard a guide takes each class around teaching them about the packing of the apples, why bees are important to apples and the process of photosynthesis. This year one of the guides was talking about photosynthesis and asked the kids all the things the trees need to grow and make apples. Trying to give the kids a clue she asked “what do the trees need that is up in the sky and is shining down on us?” One child re-sponded “Jesus!” Wouldn’t it be great if we could all think like kids again! They have such a great outlook on life and love for Jesus! We had a great fi eld trip and look forward to another trip to the Apple Orchard next year!

First Graders Meet A Marine

Private Cody Brummel is a graduate of HCS and just fi nished 13 weeks of basic training at Camp Pendleton, in San Diego, California. The fi rst graders met him and asked him many questions. He explained his uniform, which had a shiny “sharp shooter” metal on it. He told us he had 78 people in his platoon. That was a lot of bunk beds in a row we thought! Private Brummel said that people yell in your face there, but it’s not too bad. The fi rst graders were glad their teacher didn’t yell in their faces here. We all were excited

to learn the correct way to salute. We said good-bye and promised to write to Private Brummel, and keep him in our prayers. We are thankful for all the service men and women who sacrifi ce so much for our freedom.

6 schoolbell December 2009

students in action

Landfi lls in Fourth GradeWhat happens to trash when it leaves our house? The fourth

graders can tell you! As part of their science unit on ecology, they learned some interesting facts about garbage in a landfi ll. For ex-ample, the print on a newspaper can be read 40 years after it found its way into the landfi ll! The fourth graders experimented to fi nd out how slowly items decay by making shoebox landfi lls. Shoebox-es were lined with plastic wrap and students put layers of soil and trash in them. Because most garbage needs water to decompose, students watered their landfi lls a little every day until it was time to dig them up two weeks later. The students found that very little de-composition had occurred in any items. It was good for students to see fi rsthand how important it really is to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

The second grade went on an exciting fi eld trip to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago on Tuesday, November 3rd. We were able to see the newly renovated Ocean-arium, which was very neat. Before we explored the Oceanarium, we saw a brand new show that included dolphins, red-tailed hawks, penguins,

and beluga whales. It was a great show! The penguins came right up into the crowd! We also visited the Aquarium and saw all different types of fi sh, turtles, crabs, sea dragons, and many other animals. We all had a fantastic time and were able to use our knowledge of amphibians, reptiles, mammals, fi sh, and birds while looking at the various land and sea creatures. We are so glad we were able to go on this great fi eld trip!

Luke BossLucas DelahuntyLorna De WindtNoah HolesingerAaron KnapperMartha MapesDavid MontalvoJonathan NeeleyEmily OtteJonathan OtteSteven OtteEmma SpoelmanJack ThompsonAllison TowrissJames ZandstraMatthew ZandstraRobby ZandstraRachel HerreraJoel Kostelyk

Leah SmitSara Vander WoudeMolly BoenderMackenzie ChapmanAndrew ClarkTony DykstraGlenn HaagHallie HofstraEmily HorvatCaleb JonkmanJoanne KlapakDelia MapesNikki MoesEdythe RobbinsDavid SchellSamantha TarkingtonNatalie Vander WoudeBen Van Til

Junior High High Honor RollFirst Quarter 2009/2010

Alivia AshJames BellMaya BraggGarret LytleCy MuraidaDestini PimentalTakoda PottsMikinsey PruimAaron RiemersmaMandie WestCameron ZandstraPayton AshJoel BergsmaArthur CareyCarlie CruseJustine EvenhouseJames FedeleKalie JohnsonChad Ketelaar

Laura KortumKristen LaningaKatherine ReynhoutAireal SandidgeCourtney SmithHannah SonnerAndrew StammisLeah Vander WallMaddy BeezieAustin BrummelAndie DurhamMaggie DurhamDeland FreehaufJessica GillespieBethany KrooswykEmma PawlowskiAlex RiemersmaCassidy Robertson

Junior High Honor RollFirst Quarter 2009/2010

Shedd Aquarium Field Trip

December 2009 schoolbell 7

students in action

Math TriathlonHighland Christian hosted the 3rd – 6th grade Trinity Math

Triathlon on November 20. Students from HCS, along with seven other schools, participated in the events of the day. The participants from HCS were: Nathan Liptak, Heidi Bultema, Julia Oostema, Isaac Williams, Collin Bultema, Payton Vaca, Ryan Rudenga, Emily Montalvo, Jack Barth, J.P. Peerbolte, Eden Schip-per, Ethan O’Riley, Emma Spoelman, Jonathan Neeley, Matthew Zandstra and Garret Lytle.

The triathlon included a few different events. First, the stu-dents took an individual test made up of twenty questions. Then, the students joined together with a team of four and took a team test which was made up of fi ve questions. Following the team test, the students participated in an activity with all other students. The last event of the day was a relay event. The Highland students participated as a team and had to answer questions as quickly as possible.

The day concluded with an awards assembly. Highland Christian was awarded third place and received a trophy! Two of our four teams even got a perfect score on the team test! Congratulations to all the students who came along! They did a great job representing Highland Christian School!

Red Ribbon Week This year our Red Ribbon Week theme was “Life is a Gift.

Live it Drug Free!” Kindergarten through second grade partici-pated in a coloring contest, and grades three through eight made posters that incorporated the theme. We had many creative pictures and posters in our contest. The winners for our 2009 Red Ribbon Week contest (fi rst through third place consecutively) are as follows: Kindergarten: Olivia Oostema, Cayla Costello, and Ashley Burgess; First Grade: Miracle Ramos, Isabella Verastegui, and Makayla Hoeksema; Second Grade: Anna Delahunty, Lexi Terpstra, and Cloe Schipper; Third Grade: Julia Kooistra, Taylor Bapst, and Emma Stevens; Fourth Grade: Danielle Porter, Jordan Kikkert-Miller, and Tori Terpstra; Fifth Grade: Vanessa Huizenga, Tiffany Ketelaar, and Eden Schipper; Sixth Grade: Allison Towriss, Emma Spoelman, and David Montalvo; Seventh Grade: Rachel Herrera, Sara Vander Woude, and Hannah Sonner; and Eighth Grade: Delia Mapes, Samantha Tarkington, and Mackenzie Chapman. Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you very much to all those who participated! Awesome job!

Off to thePumpkin Festival

This year, we kindergarteners were looking for some-thing new and challenging for our fall outing! “Bengs-ton’s Pumpkin Festival” caught our attention. We set it up and off we went!!

There was so much to see and do that we had to fol-low the map to make sure that we did not miss anything. The pig races were fi rst. What a blast! The pigs all had fun names after famous people... Mrs. Brown was picked as a pig rooter. We cheered as loud as we could, but her pig still came in last. Next we wandered around to see the huge pumpkins, the singing scarecrows, and the bunnies. We went on a hay ride and watched them launch pump-kins into the lake. The corn maze gave us a challenge, but we did not lose anyone! We ended up in the ‘pumpkin patch’ where we could pick out our own pumpkin. The rule was that we had to be able to carry it ourselves!

It was a beautiful, sunny, warm October day. God blessed us with great weather, great chaperones, and a great time!!

8 schoolbell December 2009

students in action

First Grade - Mrs. OtteChristmas Customs Around the World ................................ $50Books & CDs for Student Listening Center ......................... $50

Second Grade - Mrs. Reynhout100 piece Puzzles - (4)(safari, ocean, rainforest, life cycle) ..................................... $75Pattern Blocks & Patterns ...................................................... $30Number Crunchers (to practice math facts) ........................ $45

Third Grade - Mrs. SylvesterMailbox Center ...................................................................... $75

Fifth Grade - Mrs. HuizengaLow Table (for under chalk board)Challenger Center Student Admission (40)Tri-fold Display Boards (40)

Building & GroundsLight Ballasts (8) ........................................................... $150/eaSchool Offi ce (wall cabinets & counter top) ..................... $750Development Offi ce(wall cabinets, counter top, cabinets) ............................. $2,500Conference Room Remodeling Project .........................$15,000Physical Education Teacher HCS polo shirts ..................... $150Steel Storage Shelving (8 units) .................................... $120/eaSteam Cleaning Classroom Carpets (21 classrooms) .... $72/eaPaint for Hallways (labor will be donated) ....................... $500Replacement Strobe Lights/Security Camera (24 units) ... $45/eaFlorescent Light Bulbs (need 2000) ............................. $1.14/ea

Classroom SuppliesExpo Erasers (60) ............................................................... $3/ea Industrial markers (240) ................................................ $.90/eaElmers School Glue Sticks (60) .................................... $1.25/eaExpo Dry Erase Markers (360) ..................................... $1.25/eaExpo Dry Erase Markers, fi ne point (360) ................... $1.30/eaOverhead transparencies (8) ................................... $30.00/box

Art SuppliesMetallic Pencils (72) ..................................................... $3.25/eaWater Color Paper (8 Reams) .....................................$22.00/eaPrism Color Pencil Sets (24) ......................................$15.00/ea

TechnologyNew Computers for Tech Lab (22) ............................... $500/ea Large Surge Protector .......................................................... $450

Musical InstrumentsThe Band Dept. supports the use of used instruments.New prices supplied for a comparison.3 Valve Baritone ...............................$875/used ($1895/new)Alto Sax ..............................................$750/used ($1495/new)Flute .......................................................$350/used ($695/new)Clarinet ..................................................$350/used ($695/new)Drum Kit ................................................$275/used ($330/new)Trumpet .................................................$400/used ($795/new)Trombone ..............................................$400/used ($795/new)

Library - Mrs. ZandstraAR Quiz Search Engine ....................................................... $250Newberry & Caldecott novels (1) ......................................... $25Young Author Books (6) .................................................. $20/ea2009 Guiness Book of World Records ................................. $30Little House on the Prarie ..................................................... $20Little House in the Big Woods .............................................. $20Books to continue series ...................................................$10/ea

Before and After CareAssorted Pattern Blocks (2 sets) ...................................... $20/eaBooks with tapes/CDs ..........................................................$100Bible Praise CDs (3) ......................................................... $25/eaLibrary Unit ......................................................................... $200Bean Bag Chairs (4) ......................................................... $40/eaStencils ................................................................................... $75

Wish List

First Grade Visits Brookfi eld Zoo

Did you know that the Giant Anteater has a tubular head with a 24 inch long tongue? God made it perfectly for eating termites and ants. Did you know an Addax has unique spread out feet for walking on sand, and can live its whole life just drinking dew? God planned it that way; it lives in the Sahara Desert. The fi rst graders visited Brook-fi eld Zoo in October, and learned many interest-ing facts about amazing animals God created. We realized that God gave animals just the right abili-ties and features to survive. The fi rst graders loved learning about all of God’s special animals.

December 2009 schoolbell 9

sports

Soccer B TeamThe soccer B team had a very successful season. We had our

largest turnout in years with 23 students being part of the team. Many players had little or no prior experience with soccer, so this was a real learning season. The season started off a little rough with losses in our fi rst four games but we came on strong at the end of the season by winning our last four games. None of those games were more exciting than our shootout victory over Crown Point. We fi nished the season with a record of four wins and four losses.

I could not be more proud of how far this team came in two short months. They picked up every concept and skill quickly and put them into practice in games. They supported one another and our team spirit and excitement was a huge key to our success late in the season. I know I speak for myself and Coach Ebbens when I say we are excited to watch these players continue to develop their abilities and are excited to watch them play for HCS in the future. It has been my pleasure to coach and spend time with these students. I look forward to coaching many of them again next season and watching many more of them move on to the A team.

Soccer B TeamJared O’Riley, Jonathan Otte, Noah Holesinger, Steven Otte, Ryan Griffi n, Jack Thompson, Martha Mapes, Luke Zandstra, James Zandstra, Takoda Potts, Mikinsey Pruim, Lucas Delahunty, Isaiah Gaiser, Joel Bergsma, Gavin Yonkman, Joel Kostelyk, Andrew Stammis, Garrett Lytle, Aaron Riemersma, Jon Van Til, Aaron Knapper, Elyssa Patricks, and Tony Dykstra

Soccer A TeamThe A team had great season this year starting off with a big win

against DeMotte. They fi nished off the regular season with record of 8 wins and 2 losses, and took 2nd in the tournament, which was ultimately decided by a shoot-out. The A team was undefeated at home this year, had a total record of 11 wins and 3 losses, and out-scored their opponents by a total of 34-19. This group worked as a team all year, and although they were not the biggest or the fastest on the fi eld, they produced great results because they worked together. They were a class act team, and as a coach I was very proud of the way they represented themselves and Highland Christian on the fi eld.

The team was led by a strong core of 8th graders:David Schell, Tyler Blink, Natalie Vander Woude, Ben Van Til,Alec Lytle, Caleb Jonkman, Deland Freehauf, Alex Riemersma

And was solidifi ed by a talented group of 6th & 7th graders:Chad Ketelaar, Colton Ebbens, Zack Pruim, Carmen Huizenga,Andrew Sitter, Devin Terpstra, Robby Zandstra, Chandler Kimmel

GREAT JOB TEAM!!!

Birthday Books –2009/2010

The Library Birthday Club receives gifts from students celebrating their birthdays. Students donate a book they love to the library to commemorate their birthday and share with other students. The child’s name and year is placed in the book so that everyone can enjoy that student’s birthday for a long time to come.

September The Last Olympian – Caleb JonkmanDiary of a Wimpy Kid; Dog Days – Jared Jonkman

Thank you!

The purchase of a book is not mandatory, but merely a way to promote reading and to enjoy each other’s birthday. Happy Birthday to all students, and Happy Reading!

sports

10 schoolbell December 2009

7th Grade Girls VolleyballThe 7th Grade Girls Volleyball Team had a great year. They learned a lot of the basics

about volleyball and improved dramatically over the season. Considering the fact that we had only eight girls, some of which had never played volleyball before, we ended the year with a great season record of 6 and 4. The girls were a fantastic group; they supported each other and worked well as a team. One of the season highlights was winning against Lansing Christian at home. Through hard work and four days a week of practice, the girls mastered serving, passing, setting, and hitting. We even discovered that our setters had a great skill of tipping the ball, something all the girls enjoyed practicing.

Overall we considered the season a great success and hope that the girls continue pursu-ing the game of volleyball. Coaching was a real privilege with these girls and we appreciate all the time and hard work they contributed to the season!

For roughly two months, the 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Team devoted their time, skill and effort to what became a fun and exciting season. Even though the team dealt with various injuries and challenges, the girls worked diligently throughout the season to improve individually and as a team. By the end of the season, all of the girls demonstrated increased volleyball skills in various areas including serving, setting, blocking, hitting and digging. While winning was a goal to strive for, the team recognized that “winning at all costs” did not trump team goals of teamwork and fair play. Whether a game resulted in a win or loss, the girls’ positive attitudes and leadership skills were apparent. When all was said and done, the team fi nished the season with eight wins and four losses. In addition, the girls placed 2nd and 3rd in tournaments hosted by Tinley Park and Illiana Christian.

7th GradeGirls Volleyball TeamLeah VanderWall

Sara VanderWoude

Lydia Huizenga

Rachel Herrera

Laura Kortum

Katherine Reynhout

Hannah Sonner

Carlie Cruse

8th Grade Girls VolleyballThe successful season would not have been possible

without the support and encouragement of HCS and its staff, parents and players. The team was, at all times, a positive refl ection of HCS and the principles upon which our HCS education is based. The 8th grade team members were Maddy Beezie, Molly Boender, Maggie Durham, Hallie Hofstra, Emily Horvat, Joanne Klapak, Bethany Krooswyk, Laurren Ladwig, Marissa Lang, Nikki Moes and Cassie Robertson. With respect to the parents, I would like to recognize Diane Krooswyk, who helped coach throughout the season and Melynie Durham, who conducted a few practices. I would also like to recognize several 8th graders for their roles and participation this past season. Jessica Gillespie was an integral part of the team, serving as Team Manager. In addition, the volunteer efforts of Andie

Durham and Edythe Robbins to keep the time and score for the home games were very much appreciated.

HCS and the players’ families should be proud of what the 8th grade girls accomplished and proud of how the girls have developed into outstanding players, students and friends. The wins that the team achieved this past season pale in comparison to the achievements the girls will accomplish in their future. I sincerely appreciate the privilege and opportunity to coach the 8th grade girls this past season. Memories of our end-of-season get together will last for years to come and I will always remember this teams’ affi nity for chocolate and gummy bears!

Coach Liz

December 2009 schoolbell 11

sportsThis year’s cross country experienced some

fantastic growth and rewards, including a fi rst place trophy and a record high participation of twenty students. The team participated in three meets: two Iliana Invitationals and the Chicago Christian Southwest Invitational.

Girls’ individual and team highlights for the season included the following: the team won three second place fi nishes, receiving a trophy for one of them. 8th grader, Emma Pawlowski, fi nished with one second place medal and two fi rst place medals as well as breaking her own school record (new record, 10:08). Elyssa Patricks received two medals for fi nishing in the top ten at the two Illiana Invitationals. Rebecca Dauro and Leah Vander Wall received one medal each for fi nishing in the top ten at the last invi-tational. Overall, the girls demonstrated incred-ible growth and improvement over the season.

Boys’ individual and team highlights for the season included the following: the boys were thrilled to win a fi rst place tro-phy at the Chicago Christian Southwest Invitational and a second place trophy at the fi nal Illiana Invitational. Danny Dittrich fi nished with one second place medal and two third place medals. He also led the team with the lowest time of 9:22. David Eriks, James Fedele, and Caleb Jonkman each won two medals for fi nishing in the top ten at the two Illiana Invitationals.

At the fi nal team meeting, Mr. Vander Woude handed out the following individual awards: for their outstanding individual performances Emma Pawlowski and Danny Dittrich received the Most Valuable Runner Awards. Emma Pawlowski, David Eriks, and Caleb Jonkman received Leadership Awards. Justine Evenhouse and James Fedele received Work Ethic Awards. Payton Ash and Edythe Robbins received the Perseverance Awards.

Overall, it was a great season. The team members worked hard and improved their times over the season. They also demonstrated strong com-

mitment and leadership. Thanks to all our participants for making it a memorable year. And thanks to the parents for their support and assistance with transportation and refreshments at our meets.

2009 Boys Team 2009 Girls TeamPayton Ash Alivia AshTyler Blink Maya BraggLuke Boss Rebecca DauroDavid Eriks Justine EvenhouseDanny Dittrich Delia MapesJames Fedele Elyssa PatricksAaron Knapper Emma PawlowskiJoshua Kostelyk Edythe RobbinsDavid Schell Leah Vander WallAndrew Sitter

Cross Country TeamsExperience Growth and Rewards

HCS MISSION STATEMENT

In order to honor God,

we nurture and guide students

to see the Father’s creation

to sense order in a world saved by Christ

to serve God through the leading of the Holy Spirit

CONTACT US

3040 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana 46322

219-838-0356

www.highlandchristian.org

PRINCIPAL

Richard Vanden Berg

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

Jody Moes

DIRECTOR OF RECRUITMENT

AND DEVELOPMENT

Jodi Lineburg

SCHOOL BELL LAYOUT

Christina Woo

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

John Boender

Jerry Huizenga

Rachelle Knapper

Terry Krooswyk

Jeff Laninga

Matt Lenting

Mary Mitchell

Larry Otte

Frank Van Til

Don Zuidema

3040 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana 46322

Upcoming EventsDecember 18 1:45 dismissalDecember 21 –January 3 Christmas VacationJanuary 4 Students return to schoolJanuary 4 Magazine Sale beginsJanuary 11 S.E.C.& Kindergarten Open House - 6:30 p.m.January 18 Martin Luther King Day – no schoolJanuary 22 Records Day – 12:15 dismissalJanuary 22 Scrapbooking EveningFebruary 11 School Skating PartyFebruary 12 Faculty Retreat – no schoolFebruary 15 Presidents’ Day – no schoolFebruary 16 Chili Dinner 5:00-7:30 p.m.February 26 Family Fun NightMarch 2,3,4 Scholastic Book FairMarch 4 Kindergarten ScreeningMarch 8-12 ITBS TestingMarch 16 Pastors’ EventMarch 16 Illiana Jr. High Choir FestivalMarch 18 Junior High Spring ConcertMarch 26 Records Day – 1:45 dismissalMarch 29 –April 4 Spring VacationApril 5 Students return to schoolApril 13 Open House 6:00-8:00 p.m.April 16 HCS Service DayApril 23-24 AuctionsMay 2 100th Anniversary Worship Service - 6:00 p.m.May 3 Society Meeting – 7:30 p.m.May 6 Kindergarten Round-UpMay 6-7 Junior High MusicalMay 14 8th Grade BanquetMay 28 1:45 dismissalMay 31 Memorial Day – no schoolJune 1 GraduationJune 8 Last day of school – 11:00 dismissal

“Train up a child in the way he should go

and when he is old, he will not depart from it.- Proverbs 22:6