Happy trails to you, until we meet again. Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.  Who cares about the clouds when we're together?  Just sing a song, and bring the sunny weather.  Happy trails to you, until we meet again."  Some of us are old enough recognize the lyrics of Roy Rogers' trademark song, "Happy Trails!"  And now it is time for all of us to "sing" this song to outgoing Elementary Principal Jerry Clutts!  What a blessing he has been to so many of us and to the school as a whole.  I still have teachers lobbying for him to stay.  I wouldn't be surprised if one of those staff members is wrapped around his ankles as he is leaving the building on his last official day - Friday, March 16^th!  I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God orchestrated Mr. Clutts' time with Des Moines Christian.  When I was considering the options of an interim principal or all-out-search for a permanent replacement of Cade Lambert, God put Mr. Clutts in my mind.  I knew Mr. Clutts.  But I didn't know him all that well.  His reputation was stellar.  So I "tested the waters."  As a result of my every meeting with him, and reference checks with so many trustworthy sources, my confidence grew - This was the man whom God had put in our path.  And every detail of Mr. Clutts' tenure confirmed that truth.  He graciously gave up his beloved golf game and said he'd serve from 6-12 months - whatever was our need.  On his last day, he will have served 8 months, as we prepare for the new transition to Karla Lowe, starting Monday, March 26^th.   Mr. Clutts has provided outstanding spiritual and educational leadership during his short tenure, and we are grateful to God for his service!  I think Mr. Clutts would enjoy the verse of "Happy Trails" which you will never hear in secular media:  "Happy trails to you, it's great to say "hello".  And to share with you the trail we've come to know.  It started on the day that we met Jesus,  He came into our hearts and then he freed us.  For a life that's true, a happy trail to you."  Happy trails, Mr. Clutts!

I, Dr. Bob, was blessed again this week with a remarkable statement from a student as he entered the main school entrance at the beginning of the day.  This young man couldn't have been any older than first grade.  He was bouncing energetically up to the front doors.  He enthusiastically exclaimed to me, "Yo, D. Bob!"  Now, some of you might take that as a disrespectful gesture.  You might expect him to call me Dr. Bob or Dr. Stouffer or Mr. Stouffer.  But I love the new nickname he has tagged on me!  I wanted to respond, "What up, dog!"  Sincerely, D. Bob

I am pleased to report that University of Central Missouri Senior Lindsay Lettow (DMC '08) won a national championship on the second day of the NCAA Division II Indoor Championships on Saturday, March 10th at Minnesota State of Mankato, Minnesota. Lindsay earned her third national title after winning the indoor pentathlon and outdoor heptathlon last year. The Central Missouri Jennies finished fourth in the team standings.  Lindsay won the first two events in the pentathlon, setting the pace early, as her score of 4,193 points set a new NCAA Division II record.  She nearly won a second title, with her second place finish in the high jump. Lettow cleared the bar at 1.75 meters before bowing out along with three other competitors.  For a more complete article about Lindsay's performances, including statements by her and her coach, Olympic Decathalete Kip Janvrin from Panora, check out this article.   In addition, I am pleased to announce that Lindsay has ONCE AGAIN been named the Division-II National Track and Field Athlete of the Year!  Lindsay Lettow has truly distinguished herself as one of the elite track and field athletes in the United States!  Congratulations, Lindsay, and may God continue to bless you with great integrity, wellness, and strong performances which honor and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ!

Looking for something to do this Friday night?  On Friday, March 16th at 7:00 p.m., the Victory singers will be singing the National Anthem for the Iowa Energy Game at Wells Fargo Arena.  Come out, support Victory, and watch a great basketball game!  Please contact Katie Knepper at 515-564-8555 to order your $8 discounted tickets in advance.

Staying in Des Moines for spring break? Here is a great Stay-cation idea: the Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education (IA ACE) is hosting an Education Celebration on Wednesday, March 21 at the Iowa State Capital.  Tour the Capital.  Visit with your own legislators about your family's experience with Christian education. Hear Governor Branstad address our group at Noon.  See the attached letter for details of the day.  If you know you plan to attend, please inform Samona Yentes, as organizers would like to make plans to provide enough printed information - and cookies!  Board members, staff, parents, students, and friends are all welcome and encouraged to attend!

The annual Senior vs. Faculty Basketball Game is Saturday, March 31st at 7:00 p.m. in the DMCS Gymnasium. Come cheer on the staff as they participate  in this friendly competition.  A lasagna meal will be served before the game, starting at 6:00 p.m. Cost is $5 per person for a meal and game, with a maximum of $20 per family.  Cost of the game only is $2 per person. There will also be a silent auction of cakes baked and decorated by the senior art students.

Do you have a passion for our student athletic programs?   Then the Des Moines Christian Athletic Booster Club NEEDS YOU!!    ABC serves and supports students and coaches involved in athletics.  We provide new uniforms in high school, equipment support in all programs, spirit wear, senior night, concessions, sell program/field/gym advertising, etc.  You are invited to join us on Monday, March 26^th at 7:00 p.m. in the Secondary Teachers' Workroom to learn more about our purpose and opportunities to serve.    To RSVP, or, if you have any questions, please contact Tommie Krehlik at 491-4065 or Bob Mabrey.     

Attention juniors:  The Bankers Trust Youth Board is looking for students to serve on their board.  If you are interested in more information about this opportunity, see Mrs. Kostek.

The World Food Prize includes The Global Youth Institute, which involves high school students throughout the state.  Each student works with a mentor teacher at their respective high schools to write a paper and to attend the World Food Prize symposium.  World Food Prize Laureates hear the student papers and engage students in small group discussions.  The students are also eligible for eight-week, all-expenses-paid Borlaug-Ruan international internships.  These are life-changing experiences.  The USDA Wallace-Carver Internship is a three-month paid experience at USDA facilities in the U.S.  Heartland AEA has the highest percentages of student participants in the state. Interested students or parents should contact Catherine Swoboda.

Iowa Youth Institute (first-ever)

April 30, 2012
Iowa State University
200 spots available
Free of charge
Students write papers (due April 1, 2012).  ISU Faculty engage the students in small group discussions.  Teacher-mentors are provided professional development through Heartland AEA.
 

The Youth Leadership Initiative program, sponsored by The Greater Des Moines Partnership, is taking applications for the 2012-2013 school year.  If you are a current 9^th or 10^th grader looking for a leadership opportunity, stop in the Secondary Guidance Office for more information. Applications are due on April 2nd.

The south/east side Chamber of Commerce Scholarship application is now available in the Secondary Guidance Office.  Students who live, work, or volunteer on the south side of Des Moines are eligible to apply for this scholarship. The deadline is March 31st.

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. 

Applications for the Junior League Women of Des Moines Woman's Leadership scholarship are now available in the Secondary Guidance Office.  Senior girls who plan to go to college in the fall, and are involved in volunteering and leadership, are encouraged to apply.  The deadline for this scholarship is April 9th.  Please contact Mrs. Kostek in the Secondary Guidance Office, if you have questions.

March 2012 Teacher Resources

The third graders of Preston Ade, Erin Heisterkamp, and Ruth Ann Rittgers did a marvelous job of presenting the story of Nehemiah in a remarkable musical during Elementary Chapel on Wednesday, March 14, 2012.  If you would like to read my summary of the chapel activities, "Me-Oh-My-a Nehemiah!" please click here.

Chapel Speaker Phillip DelRe - evangelist and author of Where Did God Come From? - delivered a message with authority and passion during Secondary Chapel on Wednesday, March 14, 2012.  If you would like to read my summary of Phillip's message, "Bring 'Em On!" please click here.

Upcoming Chapels:

Planning to visit Florida during spring break?  Don't miss the DMCS High School musicians who will be performing at Disney World!  The High School Choir will give a 25-minute performance on Friday, March 23^rd at the Waterside Stage in Downtown Disney at 7:00 p.m.  Vocal Music Director Sarah Selby stated, "We'd love to have a crowd!"  Join us on Mainstreet USA to watch the DMCS High School Marching Band perform in the Magic Kingdom Parade on Saturday March 24^th  at the 10:00 a.m.  Instrumental Music Director Chad Parker stated, "The same as Miss Selby!" 

The 25^th Annual Benefit and Live Auction invitations are in the mail. Please join family and friends of DMCS on Friday evening, April 13^th, at Lutheran Church of Hope to celebrate Christ-centered education.Enjoy a buffet dinner by Christiani's, special desserts, student entertainment, and a short video filmed by DMCS alumni Tyler Dreher. This year our live auction should be, well...LIVELY! Watch for your invitation and RSVP by Friday, April 6, 2012. Seating is limited and this event is for adults only.

 

Auction Items Needed:We still need a few items for our live auction (no silent auction this year).  If you think you might have something we could use, please contact Peggy Lettow at 515.252.2496.

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.

JOIN THE BE THE MATCH DONOR DRIVE!  On Friday, April 20th, from 3:00-8:00 p.m., at Des Moines Christian, we will have the opportunity to "BE THE MATCH" for someone through the bone marrow donation registry.  To join, you only need to be between the ages of 18-60, be willing to donate to any patient in need, and meet the health guidelines.  The test is as easy as a swab of your mouth with a Q-tip.  Thousands of patients needing a bone marrow/stem cell transplant depend on BE THE MATCH registry to find a donor who can give them a second chance at life.  You have the power to help save a life.  Please contact Brenda Van Heukelom at 276-0298 or bvanheuk@gmail.com,  if you would like to help volunteer at the event (1-hour stations), make a donation ($100/kit but any amount helps) , or have questions.  Bring your photo I.D. and saliva!  See you there!  STRENGTH t-shirts (Philippians 4:13) will be sold in adult and child sizes for $10 -- cash or checks accepted.  Proceeds go to Be The Match.

Are you concerned that your graduating senior may not quite be ready for college?  Would you like your student to be strong in the faith and the Lord?  Is it important to you that your child develop a biblical worldview prior to his or her post-secondary education?  Then Summit Semester may be an excellent option for your family.  Summit Semester is a semester-long academic retreat offering young adults concentrated study in Christian thought and the history of ideas.  In a secluded lodge in the Rocky Mountains, this institute is comprised of a small community of mentors and Christian scholars dedicated to helping students build good academic habits, live committed Christian lives, hone intellectual skills, and make life-long friends.  Students take classes in church history, literature, political theory, art, culture, and Scripture, with an emphasis on relating these disciples to the big questions of human existence.  Family-style meals, in-depth discussions, work projects, and sports contribute to a communal atmosphere that fosters growth.  Summit Semester is a unique opportunity for a student to step back from the usual educational trajectory and reflect on the whys of study, work, community, and faith. 

• For 17-25 year olds pursuing higher education
• 3-5 hours of class every day
• Receive up to 12 college credit hours
• Accredited transcripts available
• Enjoy several excursions
• Limited financial assistance is available.
• Fall Term from September through December
• Summer Term in June and July
• Snow Wolf Lodge
• Pagosa Springs, Colorado
• www.snowwolflodge.com

i9 Sports is currently hosting registrations through their website for the upcoming 2012 spring sports program. This season kids of ages 3-12 have an opportunity to participate in many fun-filled sports - such as Soccer (3-10), Flag Football (4-12) and i9's newest offering - Baseball (3-6)! Check out their website (www.i9sports.com), or call (515) 987-4750 and find a program for you and your family that is fun, safe and convenient! Here are the deadlines for each sport to register:

Flag Football: Final Deadline is March 29th...Starts late April (8 week program)...Kids ages 4-12

 

Soccer: Register by March 15th and save $10....Final Deadline is April 12th....Starts early May (6 week program)...Kids ages 3-10

Baseball: Register by March 15th and save $10....Final Deadline is April 12th....Starts late May (6 week program)....Kids ages 3-6

 "Get in the Game w/ i9 Sports!"

Click Here To Register Early and SAVE off 2012 SPRING SPORTS!!!

The Orange Planet
5650 Metro East Drive
Pleasant Hill, Iowa
April 27, 2012, 6:00 p.m.
$15 per person at the door
Hope2Offer Student Services Annual Fundraiser
Experience ten wonderful local students who are ready to touch your heart through song and instrument.  Hear updates from students, instructors, and the  director, regarding Hope2Offer's work in Eastern Polk County, the local women's jail, the Hull Avenue Hall, youth tutoring, and counseling services.  Refreshments at 6:00 p.m. 
For more information, www.TheOrangePlanet.com or 261.0030.