The Big Blue Bash is tomorrow! The BBB is a fun event for the whole family! This year, the Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) is giving away something spectacular - an iTouch! We also have a contest to name the new Lion Cub in our approved Elementary logo. Submit your idea for a name at the blue table in the Multi-Purpose Room.  We are still in need of volunteers for a variety of activities, including donating cakes for the cake walk, so please sign up on the DMCS website. Also, any donated items for the class baskets may be placed in the bins outside your child's classroom for the Big Blue Bash basket drawings. Tickets go on sale next week, so be sure to get your tickets! Please go to the website for more information. On Friday, February 17^th, everyone should wear BLUE or DMCS Spirit Wear to gear up for the Bash! MANY volunteers are still needed, as well as items for the baskets.  Time is running out, so PLEASE sign up to help and bring donated items! Thank you!!

Mrs. Kostek has received information on the following scholarships:

Iowa Veteran's Foundation:  Applicants must be an Iowa Veteran or descendant of an active duty, honorably discharged, or retired military personnel.

Charlie Burkart Scholarship:  Scholarship winners are selected on the basis of their interest and activity in golf and the potential for future contributions to the game, academic ability, and financial need.

Senior Boys Attending Iowa State:  The Beta Sigma Psi Lutheran Fraternity is providing a scholarship to Lutheran men attending ISU.  See Mrs. Kostek for more information.

The Governor Terry E. Branstad Iowa State Fair Scholarship recognizes outstanding Iowa high school seniors who have actively participated in the Iowa State Fair. If you are a senior and have participated in the State Fair, stop in the Secondary Guidance Office for additional information.

In February, The Great Relationship Experience will be highlighting the Character Key of Perseverance. During the month, be sure to encourage your students to embrace a "can-do" attitude and remind them that God can do mighty things through a willing heart, just like He did through Nehemiah! Please visit our website below to find all of the wonderful resources which are available to you:

We truly do love our Pastors, don't we?  How fortunate we are to be represented by Pastors of over 120 churches at Des Moines Christian School!  I had the opportunity to honor several of those Pastors during our annual We Love Our Pastors Day celebration at Elementary Chapel on Wednesday, February 15, 2012.  If you would like to read the outline of my message, "Follow Your Pastor As Your Pastor Follows Christ,"please click here.

Upcoming Chapels:

Mark your calendars and call the babysitter! Our 25^th Annual Benefit and Live Auction is schedule for Friday evening, April 13, 2012. Dinner, student entertainment, and a wonderful dose of encouragement will reinforce your choice of Christian education. More information will be coming in the near-future.

"The Marriage You've Always Wanted," by Dr. Gary Chapman
Join Walnut Creek Community Church at The Downtown Church on February 18th for a one-day marriage conference with Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages. Registration is on the church website with a credit card, or in the church office to pay with cash or check. An optional meal will be provided as well. Tickets are $80 per couple in advance ($40 per person), $100 at the door. The conference will have limited seating available, and already 454 people are registered for the conference, so make sure to register today! See Walnut Creek's website for details and registration. 

Des Moines Christian School will be hosting a Life Line Screening preventive health event on Monday, March 19, 2012.

What You Don't Know Can Hurt You!

• If you are between the ages of 21 and 80, learn your risk for developing 6 different chronic diseases.
• $3 out of every $4 spent on healthcare is for treatment of chronic disease.
• Better lifestyle habits can help prevent 80% of heart disease and 90% of Type-2 diabetes.

The 6 for Life Health Assessmentmeasures your risk of developing 6 chronic diseases, including heart disease, congestive heart failure, stroke, diabetes, COPD, and lung cancer.  A customized report will determine which risk factors contribute most to your disease risk and are within your control to change.  Finger-stick blood tests, along with biometric measurements, are included with this assessment.

Protect your health by registering today for the 6 for Life Health Assessment for $79. Call 1-888-653-6441, or visit www.lifelinescreening.com/community-partners  to schedule your appointment.  Take control of your health. Knowledge is empowering.

Are you at Risk for Stroke, Heart Disease and Diabetes?

Did you know that a 10% decrease in cholesterol can reduce your risk for heart disease 30%?

• Diabetes is the 5^th leading cause of death in the United States.
• Elevated CRP levels in the blood are indicators of risk for heart disease and high blood pressure.
• Stroke is the 4th leading cause of death.

Life Line Screening offers finger-stick blood tests with results in 10 minutes. Protect your health by finding out your risk of   diabetes and vascular disease; participate in the Life Line Screening that will be at Des Moines Christian School on Monday, March 19th.

Register for the lipid panel (HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides), glucose, and CRP blood tests for only $99. Call 1-888-653-6441, or visit www.lifelinescreening.com/community-partners  to schedule your appointment. Ask about our other stroke and heart tests. Taking control of your health doesn't have to be hard.  

Do you know your TSH level?

Thyroid Disorders TSH can indicate an underactive thyroid.

• 20 million Americans have an underactive thyroid, but half don't know it.
• An underactive thyroid can cause an increased risk of heart disease and lead to an enlarged heart.
• Underactive thyroid is more common among men and women aged 60 and older.

Life Line Screening offers a finger-stick blood test with results in less than 10 minutes. Protect your health by finding out your risk of an underactive thyroid by having a TSH screening. Life Line Screening will be at Des Moines Christian School on Monday, March 19th. Call 1-888-653-6441, or visit www.lifelinescreening.com/community-partners to schedule your TSH screening for only $45. This package also includes a total lipid panel and a glucose screening. Ask about our other stroke and heart tests. Taking control of your health doesn't have to be hard.  

Attention, all men!

Do you know your risk for Prostate Cancer?

• A Prostate Cancer PSA test is the most accurate method for the detection of prostate cancer.
• 1 in 6 men will get Prostate Cancer.
• PSA tests have been used for over 25 years.

A simple PSA blood test could save your life.  Protect your health by finding out your risk of Prostate Cancer. Life Line Screening will be at Des Moines Christian School on Monday, March 19th. Call 1-888-653-6441, or visit www.lifelinescreening.com/community-partners to schedule the PSA test for only $45. This package also includes a total lipid panel and a glucose screening for diabetes. Ask about our other stoke and heart tests. Taking control of your health doesn't have to be hard.