In order to refresh the content of summer newsletters, I have decided to periodically "introduce" the new 2012-2013 staff members to you. I think you are VERY supportive of our efforts to make the science program one of the strongest distinctives of the school. During this past school year, a curriculum committee engaged in intense study, curriculum writing, and resource selections. Please hold the school responsible for a great science program, EE-12! I am excited about our two new Secondary science teachers. Please allow me to first introduce you to Scott Nilius, who will be teaching ninth graders in Physical Science and tenth graders in Biology. Scott knows Christian education as a graduate of Omaha Christian Academy and Faith Baptist Bible College. He recently received his second B.A. in Science Education from Grandview University. He is also certified to coach and teach Driver Education. One of Scott's supervisors during student teaching told me, "He's a very strong Christian. I think teaching in a Christian school is a good fit. He had good classroom management skills. He knew the subject well. He's very reflective. He wants to succeed and do his best. His heart is in teaching; he admires the profession and wants to do well. He likes being with kids. Building positive relationships is foundational to him. He really wants to be a good professional. I think one of the greatest measures of a teacher is wanting your kids to be in the teacher's classroom, and I definitely would want my kids to be in Scott's classes. I hope you're smart enough to hire him!" Another reference told me, "I've been a curriculum director, and I've taught everything in the sciences from Grades 6-12. I supervised his eighth grade Earth Science student teaching experience. I don't think a school could offer a better position [to Scott] than Des Moines Christian. I cold see him staying at your school for the rest of his life. I was jumping up and down when I heard he got an interview at your school! It's a wonderful fit for him.   I think he needs to be where his heart is, and a Christian school is what Scott needs to do. He participated in redesigning of the curriculum to meet national science standards. He's a tremendous guy. He's a wonderful young man who will bring a great deal to your community. He's the best student teacher I've ever had." Another of Scott's supervising teachers during his student teaching experience - a teacher whom I supervised for 6 years at Urbandale High School - said, "I was very impressed with Scott. He was willing to trying multiple methodologies, if he wasn't successful with the students. He was awesome. He was very intuitive. He was never flustered. He could roll with the punches. He is one of the top three student teachers of the 10 in my experience; one of the other three is teaching at a 4A high school in Central Iowa, and the other of the three is a science department head in the Twin-Cities. I'd hire Scott in a minute." How exciting to welcome such a committed and talented teacher to our Secondary science department! Welcome, Scott Nilius!