JANUARY 2015

IMPORTANT DAYS IN JANUARY:

Classes resume1/5

Geography Bee1/8

PCS Preview Day1/12

PCS KindergartenRound-up

1/13End of Semester 1

1/16No school

Teacher in-service1/19

PARK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Park Christian School teaches that the Bible is absolute truth and is practical and important for everyday life. Whether students are studying phonics, history, calculus, or choir, all teachers at Park Christian approach their subjects with the Bible as their primary textbook.Our teachers equip students with tools to work independently and cooperatively, to fulfill his various responsibilities, to stand up for her personal convictions, and to be prepared for their next academic steps.

K-12th grade all in one building. (We love this!)

Free busing in Moorhead. Shuttle available to and from

West & South Fargo.Tuition reduction scholarships

available up to 50% of tuition.www.ParkChristianSchool.org

Establishing a Foundation For Life

Kindergarten Round-ups,

for parents and students January 13, February 10,

March 95:00 – 6:00 pm

RSVP at 218-236-0500

Preview Days, for inquiring students in

grades 1-11Mondays: January 12, February 23, March 23,

April 20, May 48:00 – 11:30 am

RSVP at 218-236-0500

2St

uden

ts o

n th

e M

ove

MathCounts Congratulations to these students for advancing to the next level of the Junior High MathCounts competition: Carter Aamodt, Nicole Jasperse, Molly Metzger, Jacob Jelinski, Joshua Schmiess, Chris Stone, Amanda Strom, and Tommy Stueland. MathCounts is coached by Mrs. Kathy Hanson. In February, these students will be representing PCS at the chapter level competition held at MSUM.

PCS Broadcasting Club Is Making an Impact!On the PCS home page at www.ParkChristianSchool.org, click on the YouTube icon to watch the videos produced by our very own PCS Broadcasting club. They are really doing tremendous work promoting the students and programs of PCS. They are relevant, funny, and inspiring. What is new for the PCS Broadcasting Club? Recently, they took a field trip to the NDSU SU TV Studio to practice news/sports anchoring. The students also watched the live broadcast of the weekly SU TV Newscast in both the studio and control room. Special thanks to the Bison Information Network (BIN) which is the NDSU student television organization for hosting.The PCS Broadcasting Club is currently in its second year, meets every Monday at 3:15-5:00pm (Grades 9-12), and is directed by Mr. Rich Lodewyk, NDSU Broadcast Program Director. Watch for their upcoming projects on the SMART Hallway, a new Broadcasting Club Promo, and in January, Falcon Boys’ & Girls’ Basketball music videos.

Katie P., Anica S., Makenna C., Julia F.

Eggnog chuggers: Josiah M., Mitch Y., Jonah J.

Noah B., Jonah J., Brevin S., Kate L., Olson L.

Student Council: Josiah M., Anica S., Taryn N., Josiah Q., Katie P., Chris B.

Seniors at Fill the Dome Watching the Eggnog Chug

Sarah S.

Jonah J.

Josiah M., winner of the Eggnog Chugging contest

Christmas at Park

3

Jazz Ensemble: Mr. Schuster, Olson L., Alex I., Tommy S., Kai N. Jacob S., Sarah H.

Amanda S., JeNae F.

Jr. High Choir Program

Brandon L., Michael R., Mark S., Olson L.

K Christmas Program Delaney S., Jax R.

1st - 3rd Grade Program

Mollie R., Harry W., Sophie H. sing Jingle Bells for WDAY

4th - 6th Grade Choir Program

Julia F.

1st - 3rd Grade Program

Sophia B.

Molly M., Grace H., Elizabeth K., Tessa H.

4Un

com

mon

at t

he C

ore

A STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE ON THECOMMON COREBy Jacob Strinden, 11th grade

he upcoming legislative session in North Dakota will

be an important one for the future of education in our state.

Representative Jim Kasper, republican of Fargo, will be introducing a bill that would mandate the withdrawal of Common Core curriculum from North Dakota’s public school system. Other state’s legislatures have passed similar legislation as more of the problems with Common Core have come to light. Recently, Louisiana Senator David Vitter, among others, has come out against the system of standards and testing. Many Americans, like Senator Vitter, consider Common Core to be an Obamacare-esque federal

takeover of our nation’s education system. The Tenth Amendment of the United States Constitution specifically reserves the right to educate their citizens to the state and local governments.

The issue that I and many other Americans have with the Common Core Standards is not the fact that these are better standards but that it takes the power away from the teachers and local school boards to do what is right for their students. I am all for higher standards, but these standards are not proven or well- liked by teachers, parents or students. When the standards were put before a national validation committee, Dr. Sandra Stotsky, representing English Language Arts, and Dr. James Milgram, a Stanford Professor representing Mathematics, refused to sign off on the standards due to their inadequacy. Both now travel the country speaking out against Common Core and warning of its danger to education and student development.Common Core is a very progressive and biased curriculum, controlled primarily by a few publishing companies that do not align with Christian beliefs. Common Core was never intended to improve student’s education or encourage them to succeed; it was designed solely to make them common in a system of total control. It has been funded, produced, and is controlled by corporations who are only in it for profit, not by educators who want to see all students succeed. North Dakotans and Minnesotans alike must fight for local control of education. We must implement rigorous standards that are supported by teachers, professors, parents, and students of our respective states. These standards need to be supported by research and facts.

I am very grateful to go to one of the only two high schools in Fargo-Moorhead that has not adopted Common Core standards or curriculum (Shanley High School also doesn’t use Common Core curriculum). I urge you to not just listen to me but to educate yourself and contact your state senators and representatives and make your voices heard as this will impact the coming generations in our states and nation.

Joshua B., Rafe S.

Student Teacher Feature5Brock Jensen

Three time NDSU FCS National Champion, two time National Championship MVP, most wins by a quarterback in FCS history, team member of NFL Miami Dolphins, and Physical Education student teacher at Park Christian School.

Mr. Rich Lodewyk, director of the PCS Broadcast Club, interviewed Mr. Jensen about his experience student teaching at PCS. Watch it on the PCS homepage; click on the YouTube icon, or scan this QR code. When asked what impresses him the most at PCS, he responded, “It’s a great culture here, the teachers and staff are awesome. Everyone does a great job of keeping Christ first as we go about our day.“What advice does the three time National Champion have for the PCS student athletes?“To see the bigger picture within competition: that is first and foremost, playing for their Lord and Savior, Jesus. Work hard. Enjoy your teammates. Enjoy high school!”Mr. Jensen is enjoying every minute of his time at PCS and the students couldn’t be happier!

Some of the Basketball Players

Mrs. Striker’s 6th graders with their molecules.

Trevon R., Colton E., Noah M., Blake I., Eden L.Freddie & Mr. Jensen Halftime Entertainment

Rachel L., Katie P.

To get the most up-to-date calendar information click on the calendar page of the website. To stay current, click on the “Notify Me” button located on the calendar page of our website. You will receive notifications of updates as soon as we know of updates.

PCS SCHOOL CALENDAR

Wednesday Thursday Friday SaturdaySunday Monday Tuesday

Moms in Prayer 2:00–3:00 pm in the conf. rm.

January Chapel Schedule Jan. 5 7-12 Prayer & Commitment Chapel K-3 Doug Rogness (Triumph Lutheran)

Jan. 12 7-12 Ben Hylden (Accident survivor) 4-6 Doug Rogness (Triumph Lutheran)

Jan. 19 No School

Jan. 26 7-12 Nikki Englund (Youth Ministry Asst. at Salem) K-3 Kirk Militzer (Triumph Lutheran)

Shakey Wednesday Moms in Prayer 2:00–3:00 pm in the conf. rm.

Shakey WednesdayMoms in Prayer 2:00–3:00 pm in the conf. rm.

Elementary BBB startsJr High BBB starts

31

Moms in Prayer 2:00–3:00 pm in the conf. rm.

No SchoolOffice Closed

No SchoolOffice Closed

Geography Bee, 1:15, PCS Gym.

Preview Day,8:00–11:30 am

Kindergarten Round-up, 5:00 – 6:00 pmParent Association Meeting,6:30 pm, Library

No School. Teacher in-service.

Science Fair Awards, 1:15 pm, GymScience Fair viewing, open to the public, 1:30 pm, Gym Jr. High Ski Day

PCS Tournament of Champions

Ellie S.Jorgen R. Rubie D.

William D.Maddie O.

Grover B.

Caleb L.

Ben J.

Zach T. Georgia L., Hallie H. Mia M. Isaiah Q. Sarah H. Audrey J.

Blake I.Kendel A.

Kailyn W.

Bailey M. Michael G.

Ally R.

Stella K.

Allyson K.

Devin J.

Chloe D.

AnnaGrace Z.

Bryce P.

Park Christian School Banquet and

AuctionsPlease join us for an evening

of celebration. Saturday, April 11, 2015at the Ramada Plaza Suites.

Save the Date7

Cheer CampsElementary Cheer Camp; K- 5th grade, Saturday, 2/7, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon. Junior High Cheer Camp; 6th-8th grade, Friday, 2/6, 4:00 – 7:00 pm.Cheer Campers will perform at the Friday, 2/13 BBB vs NCE V Boys Basketball game.Registration deadline: Friday 1/9 for a t-shirt guarantee.Cost is $28.00Public welcome. Invite friends!! Football Cheer Camp had over 100 campers!!!

Geography BeeThursday 1/8, 1:15 pmFour students from each grade (grades 4-8) will compete in this school level competition. Please come and enjoy the Bee!

There are so many reasons to give to Park Christian School. Consider what your part might be. You are appreciated. Together, we can do more.

Saturday, January 31, 2015All students involved in PCS and Co-op Athletics (grades 7-12) and their parents will be expected to work a shift during the TOC. Please put this important date on your calendar.This tournament is the major fund raiser for our athletic department.To register a team, click on the Tournament of Champions bar on the PCS website home page left side. Team Registration deadline is Friday, January 9, 2015, as long as there is still room.

Like, Comment, Shareon Park Christian School | Join Twitter at PCSFalcons

Annual BasketballTournament of

Champions (TOC)24 Hour Online Fundraising Event

February 12, 2015

Boys Basketball Team

Morgan N.

Pare

nt R

esou

rces

8 PCS Loves Our ParentsChristmas Decorations

A special thank you to Heimbuchs, Hultins, and Lodewyks for decorating the school for Christmas! One visitor told us that their work place required them to decorate in blue and silver so it wouldn’t appear ‘too Christmasy’! Thankful to be unabashedly CHRISTmasy at PCS!!!

Heaven’s Angels FundThank you to the Parent Association and those who gave so generously to gift all the staff with a monetary remembrance through the Heaven’s Angels Fund. The faculty and staff are touched by your thoughtfulness and care. Money can be donated at any time throughout the year with “Heaven’s Angels” written in the memo line. The Parent Association will continue to gift the teachers as long as the funds are available to do so.

Collections Make a Difference!Don’t forget to turn in your receipts and labels for the Parent Association: Family Fare (formally Sunmart), Cashwise (labels for learning at bottom of receipt), Country Hearth and Village Hearth breads (upc labels), box tops, Campbell’s soup labels, and labels for education. Place your collections in the drop boxes located near the library or in the office. This fall we collected about $1,500.00 from these collections. They really do make a difference!

PA Meetings The Parent Association meets every 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm in the school library. Come be involved. Your child will benefit from your participation.

Zach K.

Physics class serenading the office ladies withPhysics words to the tune of Jingle Bells. Joanna H., Paige B., Evan L.

Caleb S., Kendra H., Eden T.

Rylan L., William L.

Jacob S., Ben O. Phillip L.

Loren S., Elliana J.

Mady R., Gabby S.

PCS in Pictures9

Discovery Zone - Knitting

Madison D., Sophia B., Eden L.

Michael B., Cade B.

Kaycee E. Annika A.

Stella K.

Discovery Zone - Legos

Discovery Zone - Science

6th Grade Dare GraduationRegan N., Grace S., Jack W.

Loren S., Elise S.

Mackenzie R.

3rd grade Christmas play presented at chapel

Girls Basketball team

Isabella T.

Mikayla L.

Mark S.

Visit us at www.ParkChristianSchool.org218-236-0500

Jill Carlson is a coach (and parent) for girls’ basketball at PCS. While waiting to leave for a girls’ V and JV basketball game, she was in the PCS gym watching the JH girls warming up for their basketball game. A guest coming in to the Hawley vs PCS JH game walked up to Kurt Motschenbacher (also coach and PCS parent) and Jill and thanked them for Park Christian School and what it stands for. She said it was a breath of fresh air to see Scripture when she walked in, everyone was so welcoming, and she also stated that more schools need to be like ours. She said it must be a true honor and sacrifice to work and/or send our kids to Park Christian School. She was so thankful and appreciative.She said she wanted to stay for the night as she felt such peace and joy in the gym!!

THE PCS IMPACT www.ParkChristianSchool.org STORY OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH Since 1981

CHRIST-LIKE INFLUENCE

I like new beginnings. I usually enjoy change; not just for change sake, but for improvement sake. I like to rearrange my office. It makes me feel refreshed. I like the first day of summer. I like the first day of school. I like getting a different vehicle. I like January because there are so many opportunities for new beginnings. Whether it’s a new diet, a renewed commitment to exercise, or decisions to read more, eat less, spend more time in God’s word, spend more time with your spouse or a good friend, or stop a bad habit, January is often the point of new beginnings. There have been numerous positive experiences this fall at Park Christian School: field trips, concerts, athletics, service projects, Spiritual Emphasis Week, chapels, and positive interaction between individuals. But, from my perspective, there has arisen a need for, as evangelist Nick Hall puts it, a reset; a time of renewed personal commitment to Jesus and to each other.

That’s why, on the first day back at school in January chapel will be a time of reflection, prayer, and commitment. Everyone in attendance will be given the opportunity to come before our holy, perfect, all-powerful, all-knowing God and ask Him to, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any

offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). To what new beginnings is God calling you? I like new beginnings. That’s my perspective.

by Kent S. Hannestad

...it was a breath of fresh air to see Scripture when she walked in, everyone was so

welcoming, and she also stated that more schools need to be like ours.