Two days after I announced Karla Lowe as the Elementary Principal, a kindergartener walked up to me at the front door in the morning and, with a great sense of urgency, asked, "Where's the new Principal?!"  His Mother or Father must have given him the news on the day after my e-mail announcement.  Apparently, he wasn't sure why Karla hadn't already come to work!  And he wanted to meet her!  After all, she would have great authority over him!  Do you see why I stand at the front doors in the morning?!

Are you looking for a night of side-splitting laughter and quality, family entertainment? The DMCS Drama Department has just the thing - the spring play, Mission: Possible!   Scientist Dr. Schlock has discovered the valuable secret of telephonetics, the power to control minds over the telephone.  Just when he thinks he has found someone to finance his research, he and his daughter Carley are kidnapped by the archvillain Silverthumb, who plans to use the power to control the whole world!  Carley and Dr. Schlock are taken to Silverthumb's 10th century English castle, which is complete with a medieval torture chamber and evil, cold-hearted sidekicks.   Maxwell Sharp, Agent 98.6, James Blond, and many more contemporary sleuths are called to the case by British intelligence to prevent Silverthumb's devious plot from unfolding.  Alas!  If only the instructions hadn't self-destructed before indicating the details of their mission!  What will happen to Blond, James Blond, and his fellow agents??!!  To find out, come see this over-the-top comedy performed by impressive and talented DMCS students. Mark your calendar for one (or all!) of the performances on March 8, 9, and 10 at 7:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on the 10th. Tickets will be available in the Secondary Office, starting on March 1st and at the door before the show. Adult tickets are $8; senior citizens are $6; and students are $5.  The production is at Jordan Park Camp, 2251 Fuller Road in West Des Moines.  Don't miss this hilarious battle of good versus evil.  We will see you there!

Speaking of the spring play, we are looking for stage decorations! Our setting is a 10th century English castle.  We know most people don't have historically accurate, medieval furniture, but anything that looks ornate would be better than our students sitting on orange crates!  Do you have any of the following?

• One small ornate Victorian-style couch or loveseat (to fit 2-3 people)
• A decorative two-person table with 2 wooden chairs
• Tapestries for walls of the castle

Girls and guns: Now, that's not a phrase you hear too often, but, if you haven't already done so, check out the following article featuring DMC student Elsa Anderson ('15)!

The parent of a sixth grade boy is making a request for an afternoon drive home right after school dismissal. If you are willing to provide a ride for this student, please call Linda at home at 515-978-4183 or her cell at 712-441-6118.

6-8 grade Scholarship:  The Iowa Banker's Association and the Iowa Credit Union Foundation are sponsoring the annual Money Smart Kid Essay Contest.  Information can be found online at www.MoneySmartWeek.org (under "on this site" Kids and Ambassadors). students can pick up at application from Mrs. Kostek in the Secondary Guidance Office. The deadline is April 2, 2012.

The DMACC Foundation Scholarship is now open.  Any senior planning on attending DMACC in the fall, please go to http://go.dmacc.edu/foundation/pages/scholarships.aspx, and fill out an application. Contact Mrs. Kostek in the Secondary Guidance Office, if you have questions.

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:

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.

Please use this link to read the most recent update about Iowa legislation impacting non-public schools. What is the Iowa Association of Christian Schools?  IACS is a not-for-profit 501(c)4 organization whose primary function is to represent Christian schools in public policy both by tracking legislation/public policy to provide information to member schools, as well as advocating on behalf of our member schools in the Iowa Legislature. All board members/officers serve in a volunteer capacity.IACS is the ONLY organization in Iowa serving as the public policy voice of Christian & Lutheran Schools and the only organization that specializes in the unique needs of Iowa's Christian schools outside of the Catholic school system.

Des Moines Christian School will be hosting a Life Line Screening preventive health event on Monday, March 19, 2012.  Various screening packages (beginning at $45) will be offered.  Visit www.lifelinescreening.com/community-partners to view the packages, and schedule your appointment, or call 1-888-653-6441.

On Sunday, March 4th, the Urbandale Lioness and Lions Clubs will be serving an omelet brunch between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Urbandale Senior Center. There will be 5 filling choices for the omelets - plus pancakes, muffins, and drinks. The charge is $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children under 10 years of age. The money earned will be used for scholarships given to graduating high school and college students from the city of Urbandale, including 2012 Des Moines Christian graduates.  The Senior Center is just west of Urbandale High School and the swimming pool between 72^nd and 75^th Streets on Aurora Avenue, and you may enter the parking lot for the Senior Center from the parking lot for the pool and school.