PILGRIM Journey

The Lansing Christian School

Board of Trustees

Gillian Granger ‘88, Chair

Rod Moore, Secretary

Brad Banasik

Stephanie Buchalski

Dave Greydanus

Laura Moody

Scott Wagoner

Rina Woodland ‘85

Lori Wortz

Winter 2014

Leadership ...

giving students

opportunities to

explore their

passions and

gifts, and to

practice what

they are good at.

LEADERSHIP Growing and Using our God-Given Gifts By Wendy Hofman, Head of School

Leadership is something we hear about a lot. We hear about the importance

of leadership in business, politics, church, sports and in school. Leadership is

important, and is necessary for people to achieve, students to learn, and

organizations to advance. But what is leadership? What does leadership mean

for students at school?

At the most fundamental level, leadership begins with growing and enabling our

gifts — what we are good at and what we are passionate about — at any age.

At school this means giving students opportunities to explore their passions and

gifts, and to practice what they are good at.

The next level of leadership involves using our gifts to serve others and to serve

needs in our community and in our world. Leaders don’t just take charge; they

use their gifts and talents to serve people and serve real needs. They use their

leadership ability to bring others along with them.

Cultivating student leader-

ship is important. At Lansing

Christian, we believe God

has given each and every

one of our PreK-12 students

unique gifts and abilities that

He intends to use for a divine

purpose in this world and for

His kingdom. Giving our stu-

dents an opportunity to

practice using and growing

their gifts is important. Giving

our students an opportunity

to practice using their gifts to meet real needs has life-long value.

I invite you to read about some of the ways we are working to cultivate leader-

ship in our elementary, middle and high school students here at LCS.

Photo by Tom Gennara

Photo by Tom Gennara

2- PILGRIM Journey

Classroom Learning Relevant Learning for the 21st Century

Learning to Think Like a Scientist By Sheila Dykstra, Elementary Principal

and Kelly Joos, High School Science Teacher

Exploring Science

What does it take to be a scientist? Asking

questions, exploring problems, conducting

experiments, and observing and recording

results are skills that scientists use in their work.

Our elementary students use these skills every

day in our new science curriculum.

This hands on, inquiry-based program presents

students with a problem, which they must solve

through experimentation and application of

the knowledge gained throughout the unit.

This method of learning promotes problem

solving and critical thinking skills. It also

encourages students to transfer the concepts

they learn to other questions or problems. As

students work, they record their hypothesis,

observations and results in their science

journals.

Studying God’s Creation

The AP biology course is one of the college-

level courses that Lansing Christian offers which

provides an opportunity for high school

students to focus on a specific interest area.

Students with an interest in science conduct an

in-depth study of God’s creation focusing on

four Big Ideas set forth by the College Board:

evolution, energy dynamics, information

transfer and interactions from the molecular to

the ecological levels. Students learn to think

like a scientist – learning to pose questions and

determine the variables to investigate.

Students learn to design their own experiments,

conduct laboratory investigations and

activities, and determine how to present

conclusions.

Learning to think and act as a scientist will help our students become future

leaders in scientific fields.

Biology Students

Raise Funds for

Wells and Nets

The three sophomore

Biology classes learned

about the diseases

caused by mosquitos and

unclean water around

the world as part of their

Protist and Fungus

unit. They raised a total

of $5,734.56 which they

donated to World

Vision to fund a hand-

drilled well, and mosqui-

to bed nets for two entire

villages. We are proud of

their efforts to be the

hands and feet of Christ

to needy families around

the world.

3 - PILGRIM Journey

Relevant Learning for the 21st Century

3 - PILGRIM Journey

Google Field Trip — Inspiring Excellence

By Elissa McAlvey ‘07, 5th Grade Teacher

A group of LCS high school students — selected based on an essay describing what makes

them “Googley”, such as benefiting mankind, unique, and interesting, etc. — visited Google

in Ann Arbor.

The Google trip gave students a glimpse into a competitive organization, world-renowned for

its entrepreneurial approach to business, marketing, and philanthropy. I wanted to inspire

students to aim high and show them a company with high standards as an example.

Students heard from two “Googlers” who worked in separate sectors of the company. Then,

we Google Hungout (like Skype) with my brother, Patrick McAlvey ‘03, who works in the NYC

office. He talked to the students about what Google looks for in employees, such as self-

confidence, communication skills, a high GPA, leadership abilities, and “Googliness”. They

look for motivated, unique individuals rather than a specific degree.

The visit ended with a tour of the offices, massage rooms and chairs, treadmill work

stations, Michigan city-themed conference rooms, mini-kitchens, a cafeteria, and plenty of

engaging employees.

By Andrew Kleyn, High School English Teacher

Communication and Culture is a high school course in which students study the elements and techniques of

communication and the prevailing worldviews in western culture as presented through the media. The ultimate goal is to

build the students’ communication skills and to help them critique culture from a Christian perspective. The course

examines a variety of media (e.g., television, magazines, and video games). The purpose of including these materials is

not to promote ignorant immersion into immoral media, but rather to empower students to recognize, critique, and

combat the anti-Christian worldviews that surround and assail them every day.

The students will wrestle with major worldview questions about money, beauty, and violence with questions like,

“What should motivate me? What is beautiful? What does it mean to be masculine?” Popular media continually provides

teenagers with answers to these questions. It is time we examine those answers.

At the conclusion of the course, Communication and Culture students are equipped with communication skills to speak

both publicly and conversationally. They have also taken time to discover what the Bible says about important issues of

consumerism, masculinity, and femininity. Lastly, they are challenged to be leaders as “salt and light” in a culture that

definitely needs Christ’s reforming power.

Students tried the

Google Glass — an

eyeball sized computer

that only the glass

wearer can see. It is

navigated by tapping

the side of the glasses.

COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE

4 - PILGRIM Journey

Classroom Learning Relevant Learning for the 21st Century

Student Statesmanship Institute

LCS seniors participated in a unique two-day leadership

training in November, the Student Statesmanship

Institute (SSI), Michigan's premiere leadership and

biblical worldview training program. SSI Onsite is a very

dynamic hands-on legislative experience that provides

students the opportunity to quickly learn to analyze

data, practice critical thinking and develop team

approaches while benefiting from a solid biblical

worldview curriculum and instruction in debate and

communications.

Through SSI, students develop practical skills of

leadership, teamwork, critical and strategic thinking,

debate and communication, and speech writing. They

gain a greater understanding of their role as a Christian

in society as they learn to distinguish between secular

and biblical approaches to life.

It is with gratitude and a sense of

responsibility that our middle

school students each received

their own school issued iPad Air,

giving them the opportunity to

learn in new ways, with new

technology tools.

Middle School students

were the teachers at the

Middle School Tech Expo

as they demonstrated the

variety of educational

tools and applications

that they use on

their iPads.

The LCS Student Statesmanship Institute culminated

with the final session held at the State Capitol in the

Michigan House Chambers.

Middle School

Tech Expo

5- PILGRIM Journey

Student Life

LCS Student Ambassadors

By Patti Jacobson, Admissions Director

A Student Ambassador is a

high school student who

represents LCS at the

highest level, communi-

cating to new and

prospective students and

families the mission and

values of LCS. The Lansing

Christian School Student

Ambassador Program was

launched in the Spring of

2013 and consists of 35

students. The mission of Lansing Christian School is to provide student life

opportunities to enable students to develop their God-given abilities as well as

prepare them for life beyond high school.

One of the best ways to make new students feel connected and belong to our

school is through the kindness and practical help from our own students!

Students are challenged to become more like Christ as they reach

out to new students and begin to serve others. The ambassadors

promote a strong sense of community by showing respect for their

teachers, classmates and school.

These representatives create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors

and provide an introduction to the school. Students experience

how to focus on others and in this capacity are role models to

other students.

The ambassadors play a very important role and contribute to the

successful enrollment of new students. Their roles and

responsibilities include hosting prospective student

shadow days, attending admissions events, and

helping to engage and connect new students.

Shadow Days provide a prospective student an

opportunity to “sample” LCS for a day. The success of

this experience can be a determining factor in the

decision-making process of whether to enroll or not.

Campus visits by prospective students and their

families play a significant role in the decision-making

process in regards to taking the next step and

enrolling. It makes a dramatic impact on families when

they are greeted by friendly, courteous students.

Photos by Tom Gennara

6 - PILGRIM Journey

Classroom Learning Serving Others

7th Grade Bible Students Serve in the School

Clarissa Karr's 7th Grade Bible class put their

energies to use serving our elementary students in a

variety of ways. This helped them see you don't have

to go far to serve others in the name of Jesus!

1st Grade Class

Helps Students in

Sierra Leone

Betsy Jackson’s 1st

grade students collected

school supplies, toys and

books for the Madina

Village School, a new

elementary school in an

impoverished area of

Sierra Leone, Africa. The

grandfather of one of the

LCS students grew up in

Sierra Leone and

returned to build the

school. Our students

were able to help the

students at the new

school.

Operation Christmas Child

Lansing Christian PreK-12 students collected

265 shoe boxes full of gifts to be distributed

by Samaritan’s Purse to children who need to

know about Jesus’ love for them. LCS 6th

grade student Brianna (below) has sent a

box, along with a note, every year since

preschool. She

shared the

letter and

picture from the

girl who

received her gift

box at school

chapels.

SOCKS FOR LANSING

Lansing Christian

National Honor Society

students donated tube

socks for men, women

and children to the

Rescue Mission. This

service project was part

of the Socks for Lansing

initiative started by LCS

alumna Sarah Garner

’10!

Photo by Tom Gennara

Photo by Tom Gennara

Teaching and Ongoing Learning

Growing our Teachers – Broadening our Leadership By Wendy Hofman, Head of School

Research tells us that one of the best ways to advance student learning is for teachers to engage in

ongoing learning and professional growth. At LCS, engaging in professional learning is very much a

part of our daily work together as a teaching staff. Weekly staff meetings are utilized for work on

curriculum and instructional strategies, collaboration on new learning experiences for students, and

professional reading and research. We also encourage our

teachers to visit one another’s classrooms in order to learn from

each other and provide helpful feedback.

Two years ago a Leadership Council was formed as a way of

engaging teachers in moving forward the teaching and

learning vision of the school. The Leadership Council is

represented by teachers in each level of the school. This group

meets monthly, focusing on developing plans and initiatives in

the areas of curriculum and instruction and in developing

mission-focused learning opportunities for PreK-12 students at

Lansing Christian.

One of the greatest benefits of the Leadership Council is the opportunity to grow teacher

leadership throughout our school. Broadening our teacher leadership base positions all of our

teachers to learn and to grow, to be challenged with ideas and new ways of doing things, and to

more effectively help our students learn.

High School Spanish Teacher, Freddy Shofstall ’07

Spanish became Freddy’s focus after his senior trip to Tijuana, Mexico to do

mission work. “I was able to apply the Spanish I had learned and it fueled my

passion to continue studying.” Freddy taught in Illinois after graduating from

Olivet Nazarene University, before joining the LCS teaching staff.

WHY LCS? I really love the LCS community and students. When Christians

come together with a singular purpose that glorifies the Lord, good things will

happen. Great things are happening at LCS. The support, the staff, and the

school are conducive to learning. Combine that with the ability, and desire, to

teach about Jesus through my subject area and you have a place where mean-

ingful learning occurs. It is wonderful to teach at LCS.

WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT? Mission work! I took every opportunity I

could to travel to do work related to missions. I love exploring new countries and

learning more about other cultures.

My favorite verse right now is Isaiah 41:10: So don’t be afraid. I am here, with you; don’t be dismayed, for I am

your God. I will strengthen you, help you. I am here with My right hand to make right and to hold you up. (The

Voice)

7 - PILGRIM Journey

Photo by Tom Gennara

Photo by Tom Gennara

8 - PILGRIM Journey

Classroom Learning Fine Arts

Performances are an important part of a fine arts program, giv-

ing students and teachers a goal to work towards and a target

for excellence. Performances also give students an opportunity

to work and grow in their area of giftedness and to shine with

the support of family and friends.

Students Shine in Performances By Wendy Hofman, Head of School

and Sheila Dykstra, Elementary Principal

5th – 8th grade band and choir students

performed for an audience for the very

first time at the Fall Spectacular. This

performance early in the year gave

choir teacher Peter O’Neill and band

teacher Scott Davis an opportunity to

put classroom learning in the context

of presentation.

Teaching students early in the year

that the mastery of notes and rhythms, good pos-

ture, and attention to detail has purpose -- is the

goal of this first performance. The new 5th and 6th

grade band performed for the very first time at

the Fall Spectacular. It was amazing to see how

quickly these students learned to make sound with

their instruments, play the right notes and rhythms,

and follow their director, all in the very first few weeks of school.

The High School Choir and Band combined for a Concert of Worship through

Song at River Terrace Church in November. Choir director Peter O’Neill, de-

signed the concert around the theme of “Assurance.” Students performed

music and led the congregation in singing that spoke to God’s character and

His faithfulness.

The annual Christmas Concert has become a well-loved LCS tradi-

tion. The opportunity to sing and perform the music of Christmas

in a worship setting brought nearly 800 people to South Church

this year. Performances from 4th -12th grade ensembles, audi-

ence carol singing, and the singing of the Hallelujah Chorus

brought together our current families, grandparents, alumni stu-

dents and parents, and friends of LCS in a very special way.

Kindergarten through

3rd grade students pre-

sented the Christmas

story in both English

and Spanish at their

annual Christmas con-

cert. Through choral

music and a Nativity

play performed in

Spanish, they shared

the true meaning of

Christmas.

Photo by Tom Gennara

9 - PILGRIM Journey

Nurturing Faith

Elementary students

worship in chapel

Joel Wayner, pastor and

LCS parent, taught from

Isaiah 6:1-8. He chal-

lenged each student to

be ready to share the

gospel with others. It is

our prayer that when

God says, “Whom shall I

send? And who will go

for Us?” we will all say,

“Here am I. Send me!”

Growing in Faith By Sheila Dykstra, Elementary Principal and Carol Feuss, Director of Development

Developing each student’s faith is a goal we

strive for each day. One way we accomplish

this is through classroom devotions. Students

share their needs and lift each other up in

prayer. They can ask questions and gain a

deeper understanding of what it means to be

a Christian.

Each day you will also find students studying

the Bible during their lunch break. 5th grade

girls meet each Friday with Elementary Principal Sheila Dykstra to learn about

what it means to trust God and to care for others.

High School students meet with Math/Science Teacher Kelly Joos and Physical

Education/Health teacher Garrett Anderson on Tuesdays to search scripture for

what it says about who we are in Christ and who God is. Ms. Joos explains,

“We are asking God to show us lies we've believed about Him and ourselves

and claiming the Truth over those things.” Ms. Joos also meets weekly with 9th

grade girls. 9th grade guys meet with Mr. Anderson on Monday’s and 7th and

8th grade guys at Wednesday lunch looking into the questions: "Who is Jesus?"

and "How do we know Him?" 9th and 10th grade guys meet with High School

Science Teacher Omar Bjarki on Fridays to study Colossians and he meets with

senior guys throughout the week to study 1 Peter.

Opportunities such classroom devotions and Bible studies allow our students to

learn what it means to live out their faith.

A New Partnership with Hidden Treasures By Wendy Hofman, Head of School

New this fall, Lansing Christian National Honors Society students are engaging in a

Volunteer Work Skills program at Hidden Treasures.

Store manager, Debra Kelley, is excited to have LCS high school students help

meet the volunteer needs of the store, while also giving the students real-life

work experience. NHS students volunteer to serve the store for six weeks at a

time, learning a specific work role. The students receive training and

expectations for performance, and then receive an evaluation that can serve as

a reference for future work endeavors.

We are excited about this new opportunity for LCS students to meet a real need

in our community, and learn important work skills for life after high school.

Hidden Treasures Board President Joy Witte presented a $60,000 check to LCS Head of School Wendy Hofman. Thank you

to each Hidden Treasures donor and volunteer who helped provide LCS families with an excellent, Christ-centered

education! Also of note, Hidden Treasures received the 2013 Best of Lansing Award in the Thrift Shops category.

Photo by Tom Gennara

Classroom Learning LCS Community Life

WHY LCS? By Karen Schulz, LCS Parent

Their story: Jay and Angie Ford sent their daughter Kiele to Lansing Chris-

tian for preschool and kindergarten, and planned to enroll both children at

the school. But when Jay — who now works at Johnson Controls — lost a

job, the family opted to send Kiele to public schools so that Tyler could at-

tend LCS preschool. This year, grant and scholarship support allowed the

Fords to enroll both children at the school.

The impact: Both Kiele, a third grader, and Tyler, a kindergartner, are thriv-

ing at LCS. “We have been so encouraged and humbled how the Lord has

provided faith and peace to pursue LCS for both our kids and then watch

Him provide the financial assistance as well!” “There is a peace of mind

and heart that comes with our kids attending Lansing Christian,” Jay said.

“I know they will get the attention they need as students and as individuals,

and I know that what they will be taught will be based on God’s truth.”

Why LCS is special to them: “It’s the community,” Angie Ford said. “Our

children are individuals and matter to the teachers and faculty. Parental

involvement is encouraged and Jesus is the center. What ultimately

brought Kiele back was we felt she needed more to her education…

spiritual, mental and emotional.”

A Message to Parents By Kaitlyn, 6th grade

Every parent should send their children to Lansing Christian School. LCS helps us

develop a better relationship with God. Bible class is a time where we read the Bible

and discuss the story: what was good or bad that the person did and how the story

relates to our lives. We also improve our relationships in PAWS, chapel, outreach

ministries and more. LCS offers a variety of sports opportunities through PE, camps

and competitive teams.

When we work on teams in sports, we work on teamwork, sportsmanship, and most important … play for God.

Our coach always is telling us to work hard in practices so we can be better in games. That’s like how Jesus is

saying work hard in life on earth and your reward will be in heaven. LCS offers classes to help students

advance higher at their own pace in higher reading or math instruction. Teachers also help kids who fall

behind on their work to make sure they can catch up.

I hope you think about my suggestions and choose to send your children to LCS because of our sports

opportunities, advanced classes, and our desire that your children will set their hope in God.

10- PILGRIM Journey

Great Grandma visited LCS on

Grandparent’s Day!

11 - PILGRIM Journey

LCS Community Life

Alumni Update: Luke Block ‘13

By Cathy Bowden Bytwerk ‘69, Alumni Coordinator

It’s always a delight to see alumni stop by after they

have graduated from LCS. This past Christmas alum-

nus Luke Block, class of 2013, took the time to stop in

and say hello. Although it has been a short time

since graduation Luke has had a full schedule of

study and training at the International Alert Acade-

my in Big Sandy, Texas. This academy is a post-high

school Christian training and service program that

trains young men with the skills and attitudes need-

ed to serve those in need. He is a part of ALERT; the

Air Land Emergency Resource Team.

Over the past few months Luke has been involved

with disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and other op-

portunities to help those in need. All of this will lead

him to be a man of competence and responsibility

for whatever occupation he chooses for his future.

When asked about how he has changed since

graduation he said, “I have a new perspective on

the world and a new respect for God”.

CONGRATULATIONS!

LCS Senior Pilgrims Recruited

to Division I Schools!

LCS ISRAEL June 16-27, 2014

For more information,

including reservation

deadlines, visit

lcsisrael.weebly.com

or contact

Tim Blamer,

517.882.5779 or

tblamer@

lansingchristianschool.org

Thursday, March 20

Eagle Eye Golf Club

East Lansing

Join us for the 2014

Chef’s Challenge,

Lansing Christian’s

annual fundraising event

to raise funds for tuition

grants and scholarships.

Attend! Bid!

Make your

reservations now on line at

lansingchristianfoundation.org/

BlackGold

Or call 517.882.5779 x103

Congratulations to

Senior Pilgrim Mikayla

Terry (left) signed to

play at Northern

Kentucky University

on a basketball

scholarship, and to

Senior Pilgrim Kristy

Gomez signed to

play soccer at

Michigan State

University.

NON-PROFIT

US POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT NO 410

LANSING , MI

3405 Belle Chase Way, Lansing, MI 48911

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

GROWING MINDS. NURTURING FAITH. PREPARING LIVES.

JOIN US FOR A CAMPUS TOUR

Email admissions@lansingchristianschool.org or call 517.882.5779 ext. #107

2014 Events — JOIN US!

Black & Gold Celebration for Tuition Grants and Scholarships

Thursday, March 20, 6:00pm

Eagle Eye Golf Course, East Lansing

High School Play: The Rules Of Comedy

Friday and Saturday, March 28 & 29

Middle School Musical: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

Thursday and Friday, April 24 & 25

Lansing Christian School

Spring Fling

Friday, May 2

LCS Class of 2014 Graduation

Friday, May 30

Trinity Church

For more details, visit lansingchristianschool.org

Follow us on Twitter @LCSPilgrims and FACEBOOK

PASS IT ON!

Tell one friend

about LCS!

Invite a friend to an

Admissions Event

Preschool Visit Days

Tuesdays: March 4, April 15 and May 6, 9-10am

Kindergarten Visit Days

Wednesdays: March 5, April 16, May 7, 9-10am

Middle School Information Night

Tuesday, April 22, 7:00pm