Des Moines Christian School ePulse

Des Moines Christian School

May 18, 2012

Des Moines Christian School

13007 Douglas Parkway

Urbandale, IA 50323

Phone: (515) 252.2480

Fax: (515) 251.6911
www.dmcs.org

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CLICK HERE TO VIEW ARCHIVED COPIES OF ePULSE

Please check our website for new postings at The Doctor Is In!

"Redeeming Love is G-Rated"
(Tuesday, January 3)

"Lectio Divina"
(Thursday, December 22)

"The Daniel Fast"
(Wednesday, December 21)

"God Provides!"
(Tuesday, December 20)

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Our Mission -Equipping students with an excellent biblically-directed, Christ-centered education.

Our Vision -Students will become servant leaders who think critically, discern spiritually, and act biblically.

Our Core Values -

∙ Christ-centered

∙ Student-focused

∙ Wise stewardship of

all resources

∙ Serving those inside

and outside the body
of Christ

∙ Striving toward

excellence in all of our
endeavors

ePulse

Editing and Periodic Writing by Dr. Bob Stouffer, Superintendent
Development by Marilyn Wilson and Published by Lisa Fitzgerald

EARLY DISMISSAL on the last day of school for K-6 students - Tuesday, May 22, 2012 - 1:30 p.m.

Happy Summer!

Theme of the 2011-2012 School Year: TRUST IN THE LORD!

Memory Scripture for the 2011-2012 School Year:

Proverbs 3

Key Verses for 2011-2012:

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, English Standard Version)

Verses for the Week:

"¹My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, ²for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. ³Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.⁴So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. ⁵Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. ⁷Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. ⁸It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones ⁹Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce ¹⁰then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. ¹¹My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline or be weary of his reproof ¹²for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. ¹³Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, ¹⁴for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. ¹⁵She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. ¹⁶Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. ¹⁷Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. ¹⁸She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed. ¹⁹The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; ²⁰by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew. ²¹ My son, do not lose sight of these - keep sound wisdom and discretion ²²and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. ²³Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble.²⁴If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet ²⁵Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, ²⁶for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. ²⁷Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,when it is in your power to do it. ²⁸Do not say to your neighbor, 'Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it' - when you have it with you. ²⁹Do not plan evil against your neighbor,who dwells trustingly beside you. ³⁰Do not contend with a man for no reason,when he has done you no harm. ³¹ Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways, ³²for the devious person is an abomination to the Lord, but the upright are in his confidence. ³³The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked,but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous. ³⁴Toward the scorners he is scornful,but to the humble he gives favor. ³⁵The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace. ^4:7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight." (Proverbs 3:1-35 4:7, English Standard Version)

Index of Blurbs:

Opening Quote from Hannah More
This Week's Scripture - Philippians 3:14, English Standard Version
This Week's Prayer
DMCS FREE Pool Party on June 16
Medications at DMC
Do Your Kids Like Ice Cream?
Current or Previous Year Outstanding Pledge
Thank You to All Who Have Collected Box Tops
Chapel Wear and Spirit Wear Now Available Online!
The Great Relationship Experience
Sixth Graders in the Des Moines Christian Class of 2018
Final Elementary Chapel Presentation for 2011-2012
Looking for a way to get involved here at DMCS and meet other parents?
Donate Your Used Chapel Clothes!
Ultimate Warriors Summer Running Club
Wild About the Child Father-Son Camp
Looking for a Summer Camp for Your "techie" Student?
Let Me Introduce Myself
Closing Quote from Henry Ford

This Week's Opening Quote -

" Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal." (Hannah More, English Poet and Philanthropist)

This Week's Scripture -

"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14, English Standard Version)

This Week's Prayer -
Father in Heaven, in your grace and mercy, you sent Jesus to pay the penalty for our sins and provide for our eternal salvation. May it be our goal to live in such a way that brings honor and glory to your name and more people into your kingdom. Help us not to be distracted by the obstacles of this world. Amen.


PTF invites you to our annual *DMCS FREE Pool Party* on June 16th from 6:15 to 8:15 pm at Clive Aquatic. Hope to see you there!! (DMCS dress code applies to this event.)


*MEDICATIONS AT DMC*-------Reminder for parents to pick up all medications with the school nurse at the end of the year. Any medications that are not picked up by a parent will be discarded. They will NOT be held over the summer for next school year. Any questions, please contact Robin Fynaardt, School Nurse at 252-2488. Thanks!

Do your kids like ice cream? Do you like ice cream? The Music Parents Association (MPA) needs your help serving ice cream on Fridays for the rest of the school year. The work times are approximately 3:00 pm to 4:15 pm on Fridays. We can't do this without the support of all DMCS parents. Remember MPA supports the art and music programs in both elementary and secondary. Please contact Suzy Lowe at 221-3354 or melowe777@yahoo.com. Come join the fun!

Thanks to the generosity of many families, grandparents and friends, DMCS is ending the year in a strong financial position. If you have a current or previous year outstanding pledge, you will receive a pledge reminder by early next week. Payments marked "Development" may be dropped off at any school office or mailed to 13007 Douglas Pkwy, Ste 100.

Some families have previously indicated that they would like to consider a gift near the end of our school year and there is a wonderful opportunity to do so. Check out the gift registry for some opportunities for enhancing our excellent programs. Did you know you can fund a Jr. High science microscope for $271 or a Sr. High microscope for $400? A room full of student desks for $1,560 or a teacher chair for $250? Gifts made in June provide equipment purchases during summer break, which helps us begin next school year better-equipped for equipping your students with a biblically directed, Christ-centered education!

Thank you to all who have collected Box Tops throughout the school year! The Box Tops Bonus Day this week brought in over 1,600 Box Tops in one day collected by K-6th graders! You may still bring in your Box Tops up until the last day of school as we are sending off over 12,000 that we have already collected on May 23rd. Many Box Tops expire this June or July 2012, so please turn them in if they are about to expire so we can be sure to get credit for the school. Please be aware that Bonus Box Tops also have a short expiration date of only 6 months. We are extremely close to reaching our goal of $8,000 for the 2011-2012 school year thanks to all of you!!

Please watch the Box Tops For Education website this summer for special contests and Bonus Box Tops games to win money for DMCS without making a purchase. Also, many food brands will have special promotions going on with up to 14 Box Tops on certain products in July. Extra collection sheets are available in the bin in the MPR. Be a Box Tops Hero -- collect your Box Tops this summer.

Chapel Wear and Spirit Wear Now Available Online!

You can now purchase DMCS chapel wear and spirit wear anytime online! Click the SHOP button on the DMCS website to view the available items. Orders can be paid for by check or credit card in person at Kindy's (3300 101^st St, Urbandale), or online with PayPal. You can also choose to have your order shipped anywhere in the US for a fee, or you can pick up your order at Kindy's without incurring any shipping charges. Please note that Kindy's will be accepting credit cards online before school starts in the fall. Happy shopping!

As the school year comes to a close and we look forward to summer, The Great Relationship Experience (TGRE) is gearing up for next year. We are excited about centering TGRE on the book of Nehemiah and digging deeper into what it means for us to "Guard Our Hearts." We can't wait to share the 6 Keys to Godly Relationships with your students in innovative, creative, and exciting ways. With more ideas that ever for engaging parents and tying the keys to classroom learning, the 2011-2012 school year is shaping up to be our best yet! A huge thanks to everyone who took advantage of even one TGRE activity throughout the school year!

Formal links to America's Family Coaches' website will not continue for the summer, but we do want to outfit you and your students for success this coming year.

We all know students can have a difficult time retaining information over the summer. Make it a little easier for them by providing activities that solidify TGRE principles:

Pen Pals: Encourage relationship-building this summer. Pair up your students and have them fill out the "pen pals" worksheet (available at the AFC website). Make sure they know the pal's address and the dates for letters. Doesn't it feel special when your student/s get a crisp envelope in the mail?!

Reading List: AFC also recommends a summer reading list (found at the AFC website) for students and their families. We encourage families to read together and discuss the principles of TGRE they find in their readings. Teachers may want to use books found on the list early next year to recapture what students may have learned from their parents during the summer months.

Thank you once again for your dedication to TGRE! As always, if you have any questions or comments please contact us by e-mail (katie@TheGreatMarriageExperience.com) or by phone (515.334.7482, Extension 9116).

Sixth graders in the Des Moines Christian Class of 2018 recently offered some humorous stories, gratitude to their teachers, sound Scriptural counsel, and wonderful memories of their elementary school experiences. I, Dr. Bob, shared those memories with the Elementary Chapel audience on Wednesday, May 9, 2012. If you would like to see the summary document composed by Marilyn Wilson, please click here.


To read the *Final Elementary Chapel Presentation for 2011-2012*, please click here.

If you are looking for a way to get involved here at DMCS and meet other parents, PTF has several open Board positions for the 2012/2013 school year. Many committee positions are also available. PTF is a fabulous way to get to get to know others, help our school and have fun at the same time. The time commitment is small and "leadership" qualities are not required...all you need is a willing heart and a desire to bless our school, teachers and students!

OPEN PTF BOARD POSITIONS for 2012-2013

Secretary: Record and provide minutes at monthly PTF meetings, make copies and disburse for PTF board members, assist with PTF activities when able

Treasurer: Financial oversight of PTF funds for record keeping and events.

Special Events (2 Positions Open): Oversee PTF fundraisers and programs (Magazine Sale, Big Blue Bash)

Marketing: Promote PTF activities throughout the school year, update website as needed

Networking: Secure volunteers for PTF events throughout school year

If you see a board position you might be interested in or you would like information about committee positions, please contact Kristin Hepworth 987-4242 or Kristi Wittrock 360-5636 and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you!


Donate your used chapel clothes! PTF will be collecting your used chapel clothes & spirit wear from now until the end of the school year. Please deposit your donations in the bin provided in the MPR. Thank you!

Ultimate Warriors Summer Running Club is specifically designed for boys and girls entering 6th to 8th grade that meets at Dowling High School in West Des Moines. The program will teach the four pillars to effective running. The cost is $145 and will include the following:

Coaching and running advice from experienced running coaches
A singlet with the coveted Ultimate Warriors Logo
Entries into 3 local 5k road races
Runners are social! Your child will meet new friends that are also developing positive lifestyle and social skills.

Practice begins at 8 a.m. Monday June, 18th and runs through Friday August 10th. The program runs 5 days a week with an optional long run on Saturday morning with the Dowling Catholic Cross Country team. Our experienced coaching staff has led and assisted many teams and individuals to collegiate success. This is in part due to their personal experience with endurance sports( Marathon, 50 Mile Races, and Ironman Triathlons) as well as their dedication to learning the sport from an educational standpoint.

Please see http://ultimatewarriorsrunning.wordpress.com/ for more information and registration.

Fathers, the Wild About the Child Father-Son Camp at Wildwood Hills Ranch of Iowa offers you the opportunity to bond with your son in a Christ-centered environment. Every son wants his dad to show the way. . .to life, to God, to authentic masculinity. . .and every son wants to connect with his dad's heart, hear his praise, and build life-long memories. In our session lies the clear vision and practical how to's to dramatically unleash the father power you have with your son. Camp dates are June 29-July 3, 2012. For more information, please call 641-396-2414.


*Looking for a summer camp of interest to your "techie" student?* Youth Tech, Inc. is a non-profit computer camp for students ages 10-17. For more information, visit the website www.youthtechinc.com for locations, dates, etc.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Let me introduce myself. I am Bob Stouffer. Of course, I'm only joking, but I've been holed-up in my office or out of the building so much in the past 6 weeks that I felt compelled to "re-introduce" myself to you! I apologize that I have been so consumed by hiring processes that I have not been able to interact with students, staff, and parents to my typical levels. I am at least pleased to report to you that the hiring processes are going extremely well, and I love how God is bringing first-rate candidates to our doorstep! Praise Him for His every provision! And thanks to the many parents and students who have joined me as members of the hiring teams!

The reason for this e-mail is to share a few details about an exciting opportunity I recently enjoyed. I was blessed to attend John Eldredge's Wild at Heart Boot Camp near Winter Park, Colorado on Thursday through Sunday of last week. Due to the extravagant generosity of a very successful local businessman, the trip was at no expense to me, including the plane ride from Iowa to Colorado and back, and the pricey registration for the 3-night stay at the Crooked Creek Young Life Camp.

I felt VERY special to fly out and back on a corporate jet -- two of the smoothest flights I have ever experienced (thanks to Pilot Tom, who just prior to lift-off on the flight back wondered aloud how to read all of the instruments in the cockpit)! Crooked Creek had incredible facilities -- including extremely comfortable lodging, an incredibly beautiful dining hall, the biggest hot tub I had ever seen, hiking trails, ropes courses, a gym, and a wide variety of recreation equipment. I might add that the food was delicioso and the service of the high school students earning summer Young Life Camp scholarships was friendly and effective; they were able to feed around 400 people by family style around the tables in 15 minutes!

In Dickensian language, I would say it was "the worst of times to go and the best of times to go." I am still in the thralls of hiring positions at the school, including the typical rush of year-end activities, and I really could not "afford" to take two full school days off last week for this purpose. But I am very glad that I did so, because I needed to step away from the busy-ness of school to gather myself and continue to seek a grounding in Christ for my every relationship and decision.

The teaching at this boot camp was amazing. I have read several of John Eldredge's books, which are excellent, and he is uniquely gifted as a speaker as well. He and the other three speakers did an outstanding job of speaking to the souls of the 300+ men who had assembled from literally all over the globe. (Guys from Hawaii were in the room across from ours in the lodge, and I heard about a man who had come all the way from Australia.)

The major themes of the teaching? We live in a world at war. Spiritual warfare rages around us. We should not be naive about the battle. We should be aware of our own sin and humbly come before the throne of God to seek His guidance in the war. Men are wired for adventure. The world and culture is doing everything it can to redefine manhood and emasculate men. Satan wants to take men out in order to gain a foothold in the world. He's being largely successful. Men need to deal with the wounds of their lives, put on the full armor of God, love their wives and children (if they're blessed with a family), and step prominently onto the battlefield.

The richest parts of this weekend retreat involved covenants of silence, during which we "got alone with God" and determined how he was "speaking" to us through the direction of His Holy Spirit. And I was so positively impacted by John Eldredge's unscripted, Spirit-led prayers over the gatherings. Of course, in Eldredge's style, we got to see a lot of adventure movie clips for the sake of inspiration and illustration, and I was greatly impressed with how well the four speakers saturated all of the messages with biblical truth. I don't know how I can EVER forget the deeply meaningful themes presented to us during the weekend.

I am also excited to join the effort of Wild at Heart Iowa, which will be available to men of Central Iowa for a second consecutive year at Wesley Woods Methodist Campground near Indianola on Thursday-Sunday, September 20-23, 2012! Men, mark your calendars! You will not want to miss this great local opportunity. While John Eldredge himself will not be joining us, at least one of the other speakers will be live on-the-ground in Iowa, supplemented by other speakers and video experiences. We men need to take up our roles as warriors to win back the culture for Jesus Christ! I guarantee that you will be forever changed by a Wild at Heart weekend! Thanks for indulging this lengthy message while the ideas were still fresh in-mind from my weekend.


*EARLY DISMISSAL on the last day of school for K-6 students - Tuesday, May 22, 2012 - 1:30 p.m.* The next ePulse will be published as the Spirit leads in June! *Closing Quote -* "There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something." (Henry Ford, American Businessman) Sincerely, Dr. Bob Stouffer, Superintendent Des Moines Christian School