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CONCORD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Volume 1, Issue 2 October, 2012

THE MANE EVENT

A Note from Dr. Patton...

Dear CCS School Family,

Over the past month, we have begun the process of putting in place structure

and communication to allow for advancement of the CCS and WEE programs.

Several areas of advancement include the following:

Prayer coordinators for WEE-KP, WEE-WL, CCS-ES, CCS-MS, CCS-HS are now in place.

We are working with FBC leadership for a solution to correct the condition of furniture in

the loft area of the Student Building.

Stanford 10 (prior to 2012) and TERRA NOVA 3 (given to students in 2012)

achievement score compilation is almost complete. We will soon meet with various

teams of our teachers to decide what the analysis shows us regarding curriculum, time

we invest in teaching various subjects, and other areas of programming.

Mrs. Ledet’s ES principal office will be relocated over fall break to the Elementary

floor.

CCS Parent Survey was launched the last week of September and will close on

October 12th – To date over 170 families have taken the survey.

This past week, I began visiting CCS classes. The goal of these visits is not

evaluative, but informative to me. This enables me to more fully understand the

“typical culture” of a CCS classroom and also help understand other areas related to

facilities, classroom layouts, etc..

Westlake Traffic Concern – we are working with Knox County authorities to ad-

dress a concern with traffic at the entrance of our Westlake Campus.

In closing, thank you for welcoming Mary Ellen and me into your school family. We are

impressed with the welcome you have extended to us.

Sincerely,

Dr. Patton

2012 Theme:

Unity in Christ

How good and

pleasant it is when

God’s people live

together in unity!

Psalm 133:1

Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Leaders

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First Baptist Concord hosted its Annual Mission Conference, October 10-14, 2012.

The Theme for this year’s Kingdom Impact Conference is:

“Make a Move and Start Something.”

Through interaction with the missionaries and hearing the speakers share new ways to

encourage us to share the Gospel message, we hope that each student and family will

share their story about coming to Christ with men and women whom God allows us to

have Kingdom Impact.

The opportunities for CCS students during this week included the following:

Collecting Operation Christmas Child Boxes. Our CCS goal is 400 boxes.

To date over 300 boxes have been collected!

THANK YOU CCS PARENTS, STUDENTS, AND STAFF!

Missionaries shared in our elementary, middle, and high school chapels.

During the elementary chapel, retired missionary Joyce Bass shared. Mrs.

Bass served in Africa and educated our students on the many religious and

social differences between children in the U.S. and those in Africa. Several

students dressed in traditional African clothing and many students had

questions about the people of Africa. The chapel ended with the CCS students

surrounding Mrs. Bass and praying for her and the people of Africa.

Over 23 missionaries shared the message of their mission experiences in the

CCS classrooms on Thursday.

Students learned about international ministries in Spain, Morocco, Asia, and

other countries; as well as ministries here in the U.S. including Seattle,

Cleveland, Aurora, Allentown, and other cities.

The Kingdom Impact Conference is a great week in the life of our school.

CCS Students Experience Missions

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From the Elementary Principal’s Desk...

Dear CCS Parents,

The month of October brings an increased focus to missions here at Concord Christian

School. Our school partners with FBC to bring the work of missionaries from around the

world into the classroom. Each grade level is paired with a country. Students learn all

about that country through speakers, food, games, and research. Our international focus gives students

an opportunity to fellowship with missionaries, to hear stories of their struggles and to praise their

successes. It is so exciting to watch the students take in all the information presented to them.

I am so encouraged to be part of a school who takes God’s commandment to “go and tell” seriously. We

believe that all of us are called to be missionaries, whether we are in Knoxville, Tennessee, or thousands

of miles away. We want the students at CCS to be open to the idea of missions, to be prepared when

they hear God call them to service, and to know how to present the Gospel when the opportunity arises.

I pray that your children will ache for the lost; that they will have a passion and willingness to go out

and share Jesus. The Bible tells us in Matthew 24:14: “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached

in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Isn’t it amazing that

your children are helping to fulfill the great commission?

Blessings,

Mrs. Leigh Ledet

LIBRARY NEWS...

Book Fair

CCS held its fall Scholastic Book Fair on October 3

& 4, 2012. This year’s fair was held in the CCS

Library and students visited with their classes.

Parents were invited to attend the book fair through-

out the day and after school. We sold over $5,200

worth of books at the fair and plan to take our profit

in a combination of cash and products. Thank you for

supporting the CCS Library through your purchases

at the book fair.

Author Visit

Author Jenny L. Cote will be visiting Concord Christian

School on Thursday, October 25, 2012, to present a Cre-

ative Writing Workshop to students in 4th through 8th

grades. Ms. Cote is the author of several Christian fiction

books including her newly released The Roman, the

Twelve, & the King, the story of Jesus’ amazing life, from

childhood to resurrection, told within the story of Handel

writing Messiah. Pre-order forms were sent home with

students who wish to purchase autographed copies.

Pre-orders must be returned before fall break.

Elementary Foreign Language Focus — Mrs. Conley

As the Elementary Spanish teacher here at Concord Christian School, I feel very privileged on a daily basis to

be a part of your child’s exciting journey of second language acquisition. Beginning to learn a foreign language

at a young age is exponentially rewarding for children. A great deal of research has determined that second

language acquisition which takes place between the ages of five and ten leads to enhanced mental development

and intellectual growth. Improved communication skills in one’s native language and higher achievement

scores in reading, writing, and math on standardized tests are other benefits reaped by those who begin their

foreign language experience at a young age. Through their participation in various physical response games,

vocabulary songs, reading and listening activities, and cultural celebrations in the Elementary Spanish class-

room, your children are in turn developing a multitude of other academic and life skills. For me personally, I

believe that the greatest use of one’s foreign language knowledge is to carry out the great commission set forth

by Jesus Christ in Matthew 28. It is my prayer that each student at CCS will one day be able to use their

knowledge of a foreign language in order to lead others to Christ.

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Fifth Grade’s Spectacular Trip to Tremont

The fifth grade’s annual trip to Tremont was October 3, 4, and 5 this

year. The trip was a three day and two night event. Tremont is

located in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tremont was an

outdoors-based educational event that focused on science and history.

The trip also allowed students to experience God’s glorious creation up

close and personal. We had 43 students attend.

Some of the favorite activities of students and parents were the hike to

Spruce Flat Falls, the cooperation course, stream life, the night hike, exploration, the Lost Mill String Band,

and the Thursday night campfire with s’mores. Everyone enjoyed the devotional thought that Dr. Patton

delivered on Thursday afternoon. The trip to Tremont is always a favorite event of students and parents

while at CCS.

One parent wrote a thank you note that stated: “It was an amazing trip that exceeded our

expectations, and it is so great for students to interact with teachers outside the classroom.

The Tremont trip is an unforgettable experience.”

Another parent stated: “When our younger child got to fifth grade , my wife was planning on

coming, but there just might be a fight about who gets to go.”

A mother of one of the 5th grade boys said, “the trip sounded so awesome that I can’t wait to go

with my daughter.”

A student commented that he could not write about one favorite event at Tremont because

everything was so great! Another student stated that “the campfire felt like the whole fifth grade

was one big family.” Another fifth grader said, “Tremont was the best trip I’ve ever been on.”

Other comments included the following: “It was amazing to see God’s creation.”

“I loved Tremont and the Smoky Mountains, and I would

love to come back.”

“I was overwhelmed with how pretty Tremont was.”

“We all had fun.”

“I want all the fifth grade teachers to go to sixth grade so

we can go again next year.”

FIELD TRIPS

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“It’s All Latin to Me” Linda Reedy

Salvēte omnēs! This year we have added a new foreign language to the high school

program – Latin. Why would we add a “dead language” to our high school curriculum, you

may ask? Latin has many benefits to a student. By learning this language, we can become

more familiar with our own. Over sixty percent of English is derived from Latin. I find as I

am teaching the grammar of Latin to my students, they are understanding more and more English

grammar. Ask any of my students what kind of complement a linking and action verb take, they should

be able to tell you, for it is vital to know how each word is used in a Latin sentence to translate it

correctly. Understanding Latin will help them on English vocabulary. It has been proven that an

understanding of Latin derivatives aids in higher scores on college board tests. If a student plans to go

into a medical, scientific, or a law-based field, knowing Latin will help them with terminology.

My students are a joy to teach, and I see improvement every day. We even have an ancient Roman lunch

planned complete with togas and tunics. The class is working on projects that may include a short film

on ancient Rome, a Roman cookbook, a children’s storybook in Latin with illustrations, or a fun,

original song to help in learning declensions or conjugations. I do not see Latin as a dead

language, only one that is asleep and can be awaken in an interactive classroom.

October — Foreign Language Focus

“Hands That Talk, Eyes That Listen” Ashley Anderson

God brought sign language into my life very early, when I was only three years old. At the

time, no one could have guessed that I would eventually marry a man whose parents were deaf

or that God’s plan for my life would include relationships with many people of the Deaf

Community. My own children learned sign language out of necessity. Without it, they would

be unable to have a relationship with their paternal grandparents!

During last year’s Missions Expo, we were heartbroken to learn that many Deaf people worldwide

believe they are “cursed” and can not receive God’s gift of salvation. Because of a tendency to take

things very literally, they have misunderstood the Scripture that says, “Faith comes by hearing….”

Since they have no “hearing,” they tend to believe that they are ineligible for salvation. As missionaries

are now being trained and sent out to tell them the Truth, hundreds of Deaf people have come to know

Christ! The fields are white with harvest in the world of the Deaf, and I get excited to see teenagers

learning to communicate and form relationships with a community of people who are so precious to my

heart.

One of the greatest joys I have is sharing this beautiful, visual language with students who have an inter-

est. Learning ASL (American Sign Language) opens up so many doors for ministry all across our nation

and even right here at home in Knoxville! ASL is much more than “English with your hands.” It is a

unique language with its own grammar and syntax, quite different from any spoken language. Many

students find that the tactile/kinesthetic nature of sign language helps them study other subjects more

effectively, but the biggest motivator for my students is the opportunity to form fun and meaningful

relationships with other signers. It is my prayer that each of my students will eventually have a “sign

language story” as I do. I hope that one day each of them can look back and see why God meant for this

beautiful language to be a part of their journey.

From the Desk of the MS/HS Principal...

Middle School

Theme for 2012

“All For ONE”

High School

Theme for 2012

“Building Blocks

Of Our Faith”

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Mission Statement for Foreign Language Study:

The study of a foreign language and culture helps the student better

understand the diversity of God’s creation. Foreign language is the

study of another people’s language, culture and religious beliefs.

Through this study, the student is prepared to reach out to people in

their community or overseas in a manner that is appropriate and

not offensive to a different culture. Students grow aware of other

people and languages and realize that God loves all people groups

and desires for all people to know Him.

¿Qué pasa? In MS and HS Spanish– Mrs. Wright

Since many CCS students have been taking Spanish throughout elementary and middle school, this

year CCS began offering Honors Spanish classes for 8th grade and for all high school Spanish I, II and

III classes. A strong emphasis is placed on listening skills, speaking, writing, reading comprehension,

and Spanish literature.

A recent project in the Honors Spanish III class allowed the students to present a cooking show com-

pletely in Spanish. The Chef’s Award went to Trysten Kienzl and Jessica Mitchum for a superb job!

Our Honors Spanish I students have been learning about describing others and themselves. Can you

discover who some of these students are?

¡Hola! Soy de Knoxville, una ciudad en Tennessee. Yo soy alto y inteligente. Soy un alumno en el

colegio Concord Christian School. Mi clase favorita es ciencia. La clase de español es muy

interesante. Yo soy Nicolas Ingle.

Yo soy baja y rubia. Yo soy de Knoxville. Yo soy una alumna en

Concord Christian School. La clase de ciencia es muy fácil. La

clase de arte es mi favorita. Yo soy Hadley Peters.

The CCS High School students are looking forward to having

the opportunity to serve on a mission trip to a Spanish-speaking

country. May God continue to give occasions for our students

to use what they are learning to reach out to our Hispanic

community in Knox County and to the Spanish-speaking world.

CCS FOREIGN LANGUAGE

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CCS TECHNOLOGY TASK FORCE

CCS Launches Technology Task Force

On Tuesday, October 2nd, twenty-two CCS parents met in the 4-Kids Theatre for our first task force meeting. Amanda

Baldwin, our IT Director and Dr. Patton, our Headmaster shared the following information.

THE CURRENT STATE of CCS TECHNOLOGY

Course Overview:

Elementary Technology Course

Keyboarding, Microsoft Office Word, PowerPoint and Excel,

and Internet Basics

Middle School Technology Course

Advanced Keyboarding, Advanced MS Office Suite, Movie

Maker, and Computer Programming

High School Technology Course

Desktop Publishing and Yearbook

Hardware/Software Overview:

1. 19 teacher stations are currently running Windows 7 and MS Office 2003

2. 20 teacher stations are still running Windows XP and MS Office 2003

3. Main computer lab has 21 new Dell computers running Windows 7 and MS Office 2010

4. Media lab has 21 computers (over 7 yrs. old) running Windows XP and MS Office 2003.

5. Mobile Lab contains 11 net-books running Windows XP and MS Office 2003

6. CCS has a total of 30 SmartBoards. They are currently in all academic instructional classrooms

except Kindergarten and Music/Band.

7. CCS launched a high school iPad initiative at the beginning of this school year.

8. All core classroom teachers were also issued an iPad with five classrooms also equipped with an

Apple TV for projecting the iPad onto the SmartBoards.

9. CCS technology benefits from many areas of FBC technology investment including the following:

Internet connectivity and filtration appliance/software

Network support and file server maintenance/backup

THE VISION FOR CCS TECHNOLOGY

Concord Christian School’s vision is to graduate students who are highly proficient in the utilization of

educational technology. (Enabling students to possess the computer and social media skills necessary to

effectively communicate and excel in college and in their professional careers.)

“DRAFT” CCS TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES

1. Establish a Technology Advisory Team

2. Establish Technology Standards – for teachers, administrators, and for students

3. Develop Technology Scope and Sequence – for grades K-12

4. Define instructional time needed for student IT proficiency (ES, MS, HS)

5. Define IT course offerings for HS program (also review ES and MS offerings)

6. Define immediate (3-6 month), short-term (1-2 years), and long-term (over 2 years) goals for CCS website

development

7. Define IT hardware life cycle

8. Define IT software specifications and upgrade cycle to bring all on consistent platform

9. Define educational goals for implementation of iPad into the Middle School for school year 2013-14

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Pass! Set! Attack! These are words you would hear many days in both of our gyms. Our volleyball

season is quickly coming to a close, but it has been a very good season. This year we were able to outfit

the student gym with new equipment, lines, and anchors so that we can not only have multiple teams

practicing and playing games, but also host future tournaments. The middle school volleyball team

consisted of 5th-7th graders. They finished the season by winning 3rd place in the KISL tournament,

beating 2nd seed Temple Baptist. Sidney Sherrill, 6th grader, was named to the KISL All-tournament team.

Alex Kirby, 7th grader, was named All-league player. The team finished 4th place over all in a district of

twelve teams, quite an accomplishment for a team with no 8th graders. We look forward to future years

with these girls playing volleyball!

The high school teams (JV and Varsity) also had a successful season. The varsity finished their season 2nd

overall in the district and was runner-up in the District Division I, Class A tournament. They will com-

pete on Tuesday, October 16, in Jellico at the state regional tournament. This is a first for our CCS high

school teams! Brooke Stowell was named All-District and All-Tournament player. The varsity team’s

overall record was 17-4 with a district record of 7-3. The JV finished with a winning season of 9-1, losing

only to Farragut High School. Several 8th graders chose to play on the high school team this year, helping

to strengthen the program.

Our basketball season is about to go into full swing. Middle school basketball tryouts are currently going

on, and we’ve had a large number of students interested. For the first time, we will have a high school

boys’ basketball team. These schedules are available on the athletics page of the CCS website.

An Update from PPO…

Our PPO is off to a roaring start for the 2012/2013 school year. We are so thankful for the

190-plus families who are partnering with us to build the “Pride of CCS!” We began the

year by serving a “Welcome Back” breakfast for our teachers and have been busy ever since.

We raised $1,250 through our school lunches in August and have provided meals to CCS families who

lost loved ones. We have shown our appreciation to our teachers and staff through “Monthly Staff

Treats.” Our Box Top/Labels for Education/Dime Tree campaign is in full swing. The next deadline

for turning in Box Tops is Wednesday, October 24. Also, back by popular demand…grade-level

fall fellowships! Join all the classes in your grade for a fun-filled family event: toss a football, head

to the park, grab marshmallows for s’mores, or just meet someone new.

“Thank You” to everyone who has volunteered on various committees. As you can see, the success

of your PPO is dependent upon our level of commitment to the students, teachers, and administrators

of CCS.

CCS “TASK FORCE” Meeting Update... A special thank you to the 22 parents who attended the first task force meeting. That meeting’s

discussion focused on Technology. In the near future, a Technology Advisory Team will be formed to

carry forward advancing CCS Technology. Please see additional article in this newsletter.

TASK FORCE MEETING SCHEDULE:

Tuesday October 23rd 6:30 pm Athletics

Thursday October 25th 6:30 pm Fine Arts

Tuesday October 30th 6:30 pm Spiritual Life

Thursday November 1st 6:30 pm Advancement

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS

ATHLETICS