| Northwest Christian School |
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Dear NCS family,
Contemporary culture has tried so very hard to redefine the term "family". We see it so frequently in the media: there is a wordly attempt to redefine "family" outside of the parameters that God has established so clearly in His word. Those attempts, ultimately, are destined to fail as Hs truth prevails. Twice recently, I have seen God's designs for family and community revealed so gloriously as His truth has prevailed in the last few weeks.
Of the many terms that can, and have, been used by my NCS compatriots to describe me, "speechless" is not one of them. But, honestly, it was that term that applied to me, and to so many faculty and staff, following the overwhelming generosity and displays of love that resulted from Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week earlier this month. Your generosity and support were apparent and abundant! From the Monday breakfast (delivered to our classrooms and offices!), to the daily 'blessings', and to the culminating 50's-themed luncheon, the messages of family and community were heaven sent.
The second example of family is one that I hope to have to rarely experience at NCS. As many of you have seen in the news, last Saturday night, 2008 alumni and Phoenix Fire Fighter Bradley Harper was welcomed into the embrace of his Savior following an incident that took place in the line of duty. The sense of loss that immediately overwhelmed this community served to remind us all that, in the time He affords us on this side of eternity, we are family and our community is designed to be His presence duing times of loss and need. NCS family, you have responded and continue to respond in amazing ways .
For these clear examples of loving family and community as well as the countless others you have demonstrated so often during an incredible school year, the NCS faculty and staff offers its most heartfelt "thank you".
Geoff Brown
Superintendent
Northwest Christian School
(623)225-5573 (cell)
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| Congressman Trent Franks Scheduled to Speak at Northwest Christian Commencement Ceremony |
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Franks has been an avid supporter of school choice and a strong advocate for children
On Thursday, May 23rd, Northwest Christian will be graduating its 28th class of seniors, the Class of 2013. Commencement ceremonies will be held within the sanctuary of Christ's Church of the Valley at 7pm. An evening already rich with memories and inspiration will be made all the more special through an appearance by Congressman Trent Franks who represents the 8th District of Arizona within the U.S. House of Representatives.
Franks has spent most of his life working on children's issues and trying to build a better future for students. He is a former member of the Arizona House of Representatives. While in the House, he served as Vice-Chairman of the House Commerce Committee and Chairman of the House Sub-Committee on Child Protection and Family Preservation. In January of 1987, Trent was appointed by the Governor to head the Arizona Governor's Office for Children, which is a Cabinet level division of the Governor's office responsible for overseeing and coordinating state policy and programs for Arizona's children. Trent served four and a half years as the Executive Director of the Arizona Family Research Institute, a non-profit organization associated with Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family for the purpose of advocating public policy to protect children and families in Arizona. The Arizona Family Research Institute later became the Center for Arizona Policy. Trent Franks is past Chairman of the Children's Hope Scholarship Foundation and a Republican Member of The United States Congress. He currently serves on the Armed services Committee and the Judiciary Committee, and is now Chairman of the Constitution Subcommittee. He is a member of the Republican Study Committee, the House Working Group on Judicial Accountability, House Working Group on Waste, Fraud and Abuse, the Congressional Hispanic Conference, the Liberty Caucus, the DUI Caucus, the Human Rights Caucus, the India Caucus, the Refugee Caucus, and the Education Freedom Caucus. |
| Services for Bradley Harper Scheduled for Friday, May 24th at Christ's Church of the Valley |
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Two year Phoenix Fire vet graduated from NCS in 2008
Services are scheduled for Friday, May 24 at 2:30 p.m. at the Peoria campus of Christ's Church of the Valley with procession and internment to follow at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery.
At the request of his parents, the Bradley Harper Memorial Fund has been established to honor the life and memory of Bradley Harper, a 23 year old Phoenix Firefighter who graduated from Northwest Christian in 2008. Bradley spent his first full day in the arms of his Savior on Sunday, May 19th, after sustaining injuries in the line of duty. Bradley served two years with the Phoenix Fire Department. He is survived by his wife, Lena, and friends and family. The family has asked that the Bradley Harper Memorial Fund be established to benefit the school which played a hugely influential role in his life.
www.BradleyHarperMemorialFund.com
or www.NCSAZ.org
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Generous Sponsor of the Northwest Christian Fine Arts Department
Mike and Ronda's The Place Restaurant |
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5171 W Bell Rd, Glendale, AZ 85308
(602) 896-9929 |
| Northwest Christian Early Ed Program Becomes the First Preschool in Phoenix to Earn Five Star Rating from QualityFirst |
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NCS Early Ed surpasses rigorous standards set forth by First Things First
This month, Northwest Christian's Early Education program became the first in Phoenix to exceed the standards set forth by Arizona's First Things First early education program, Quality First, and earn the program's first five star rating in the city. "It was a thrill to get the news," says Superintendent Geoff Brown, "but, honestly, I wasn't that surprised. The Early Ed teachers have poured themselves into improving their program. They've invested hours and hours into continuous improvement." Quality First is a program that partners with child care providers to improve the quality of their educational programs for kids birth to five. Currently, almost 800 child care centers and homes (about one-quarter of Arizona's licensed or certified providers) participate in Quality First. As part of that participation, Quality First assessors spend time within the classrooms and rate the school in three areas: environmental and classroom suitability, teacher and student interactions, and program practices. "Dawna Underwood, the Early Ed Director, and I told the teachers that if we hit that five star mark, we'd be going out for steak dinners," says Geoff. "I'm thrilled that next week, all the early ed teachers and aides and I are going out for steaks!" |
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Generous Sponsor of Northwest Christian Athletes
Moore Automotive Group |
| Liquid Hope Update: Christian High School Students Prepare to Bring Hope to Haiti |
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Over thirty students from varied schools have applied to travel to Haiti this summer
"To date, we have delivered over 1,800 pounds of change to our friends at Bank of America," says Superintendent Geoff Brown of the effort to tally the total amount of money raised through April's Liquid Hope campaign. The ambitious campaign--which was started by students and grew to pull together over twenty Christian schools--was designed to raise funds for clean water in Haitian villages where the plight of dirty water is devastating and a summer 2013 missions trip to Haiti. "As of right now, the total amount raised is betwee $35,000 and $40,000 with more donations still coming in," Geoff continues. "The total raised will be split between providing clean water solutions in Haiti and sending a group of students on a mission trip to Haiti this summer." So far, the trip's sponsoring organization, Hope4Kids International, has heard from over 35 students who desire to be part of that missions team. Those students are from Northwest Christian, Scottsdale Christian, Faith Christian, Gilbert Christian, Wickenburg Christian, Mountain Ridge High School, and Grand Canyon University. Ultimately, the trip will be limited to 25 students who will be working in the Haitian village of St. Mark. Geoff explains: "I had the opportunity to be in St. Mark in February. While there, I had the opportunity to visit the orphanage where Liquid Hope students will be working, meet the Haitian pastor who oversees the Christ the King church and orphanage, and see firsthand the issues being perpetuated by the lack of access to clean drinking water and poor sanitation. I'm excited that our students are learning to be difference-makers. They're working to meet the physical and spiritual needs of this community. A portion of the money raised will be used to provide water filtration systems. Students will be working with a Hope4Kids construction foreman to make improvements and repairs within the orphanage and church. As well, our students will be presenting the gospel to the children of St. Mark by offering a Vacation Bible School."
If you are interested in supporting the Liquid Hope effort, the opportunity still exists at www.liquidhope.org.
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| Middle School Golf Championship is the Capstone on a Great Year for Middle School Athletes |
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Middle School AD Jim James continues to grow MS Athletics as he focuses students on Christ
"Having worked now with Jim James for a couple of years," says Superintendet Geoff Brown, "I'm learning that the Jim James equation is pretty simple: Jim loves Jesus, Jim loves kids, and Jim loves to compete. You pull all those pieces together and you've got something pretty special. I've think we have seen ample evidence of that this year in middle school athletics."
Middle School athletes have pulled together an amazing year of strong athletics and Christian growth with Jim James as the Middle School AD and with coaches like Jason Cornelius, Debbie Webb, Jenni Inderberg, Shawn Kohner, Chris Gardiner, Brandon Southall, Jason Cook, Steve Kerns, and others. Competing in the Valley Christian Schools League, middle school teams have won championships in football, cheer, golf, and cross country. Additionally, teams have placed as runners-up in boys basketbal and soccer. |
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A special invitation f0r the NCS community...
Nick Vujicic and John Burley |
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Unlimited Success
with Nick Vujicic and John Burley
A One-Time-Only Event with Limited Seating
July 13-14, 2013
A special invitation for the NCS community:
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| Community Reading for Summer 2013: "Opportunity Jesus" by NCS Bible Teacher Jeremy Eagan |
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Summer reading will set the spiritual theme for the coming school year
For each of the past several years, the Northwest Christian community--staff, students, and families--has been encouraged to read a book together over the summer as a school family. That book, in turn, is used by the Student Council to set the spiritual theme for the coming school year. During the summer of 2012, the summer reading was "Not a Fan" by Kyle Idleman and the student leaders used that book to springboard into the theme "Insane Courage" and the verse for the year, Joshua 1:9.
During the summer of 2013, the summer reading will have a novel twist: the book has been authored by one of our own! Jeremy Eagan, who teaches Junior Bible and several popular high school Bible electives, has written "Opportunity Jesus", a book being published this spring through Xulon Press. The book has 52 brief chapters that work chronologically through the life of Christ pausing to present opportunities that we have as believers to serve Him and glorify Him. The book, which will be available in Christian bookstores through Spring Arbor Distribution and is available through Amazon.com and BarnesandNobles.com, will become the springboard for the 2013/2014 school year. Using a companion website to the book, www.OpportunityJesus.com, the NCS family will also receive monthly videos, beginning in June, that feature Jeremy as well as other members of the NCS family that will illuminate the portions of the book that the school family is reading this summer. Then, looking towards the new school year, the life of Christ as illustrated within the book's themes will become the focus of chapels.
Discounted copies of the book will be available in the school office beginning in May but, without the wait, you can also pick up the Kindle version of the book at:
Amazon Kindle Store |
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Shine Dentistry and Orthodontics
Generous sponsor of the summer 2013 reading |
| Changes to Individual and Corporate Tax Credit Scholarships Have NCS Families Excited |
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Do the homework to see if you family qualifies
Recent changes to the individual and corporate tax credit programs have both current and new NCS families very excited. If you've been told in the past that you don't qualify for corporate or "overflow/double" tax credits because your student is not new to NCS, it's possible that you qualify now!
Here's what NCS families need to know:
If you have ever received an individual tax credit donation in the past , and you've been continuously enrolled at NCS since receiving that award, AND your income meets the qualifying limits, you can now apply for Corporate Scholarships.
Most, but not all, corporate scholarship applications are due on May 1st or June 1st, so you will want to hurry and apply. You can receive assistance from several organizations.
www.schoolchoicearizona.org
www.topsforkids.com
www.arizonaleader.org
To see a complete list of Corporate STO's: http://www.azdor.gov/TaxCredits/CorporateTuitionTaxCredits.aspx
If they qualify for the scholarship, once a family is awarded a Corporate scholarship award, they are then eligible to receive the "overflow/double" individual scholarships from individual donors, just like the new students. It no longer matters how long you have been at NCS. The maximum individual donation for the 2013 tax year is $2,062 (married donor) or $1,031 (single filer donor).
Families with questions should call or email Michelle Reddy, the NCS director of Admissions: mreddy@ncsaz.org. |
| Summer 2013: Summer Camps at Northwest Christian Scool |
| Hope Gibson Wins Regional Gymnastics Championship |
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Hard work and dedication pay big dividends
The Northwest Christian family offers its congratulations to sixth grader Hope Gibson. Early in May, Hope competed in regional gymnastics competitions in Las Vegas. In the course of scoring several personal bests, she also nabbed Level 9 championships in tumbling and trampoline. Hope is also a member of the 2013/2014 Northwest Christian middle school cheer squad. Though Hope is new that squad, middle school cheer coach Debbie Webb is already a fan: "Hope is an extremely talented young lady and works very hard to accomplish anything she sets her mind to. She always has a smile on her face and her love for Jesus shines through in all she does. I'm so excited to have her as one of our newest Middle School Cheerleaders!" |
| Coach Craig Davidson Demonstrates a Passion for Christ, Students, and Running |
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Davidson is an assistant coach within varsity track and field as well as cross country
Craig Davidson, who serves within the NCS family as the assistant varsity coach within both Cross Country and Track and Field, has garnered a significant amount of notoriety over the last few years and he's used that notoriety as a platform for his testimony. A runner for whom the descriptor "avid" would be an understatement, some of Davidson's notoriety has come from the fact that he's run nearly 220 marathons (26.2 miles) within his running career. But, believe it or not, the coach hasn't always been a runner. After playing tennis in college, he later gained 35 pounds. In 1977, Davidson knew he needed a change in lifestyle. "The first day I ran," he said, "I couldn't run four house lengths." Only nine weeks after he started running, he ran his first half marathon. By February 1978, he had run in his first full marathon in Oregon. The following year, he qualified for and ran in the Boston Marathon. In November 1978, Davidson began running every day. Thirty-four years later, he's still at it. And, it's in running every day, the Davidson has also gained notoriety, having been featured in several running magazines. He reports that every day he runs, he finds change on the ground. And, to date, that change has totalled nearly $10,000. Davidson has given much of the change to charity but he's also used a portion of it to buy a Hawaiian vacation for he and his wife, Irene. |
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Generous Sponsor of the Northwest Christian Fine Arts Department
Ameriprise Financial |
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Northwest Christian Athletic Apparel |
| INSANE COURAGE: Hear the Messages from Jr. Bible Teacher Jeremy Eagan |
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Jeremy Eagan's provocative messages helped to set the tone for the school year
Each year, NCS juniors and seniors head to YoungLife's Lost Canyon in Williams, Arizona for a camp experience that is meant to establish the spiritual tone and theme of the school year. This year's speaker, Junior Bible teacher Jeremy Eagan, used three different teaching sessions to 'unpack' the theme for 2012/2013: "Insane Courage: What's Stopping You?" The theme was prayerfully developed by Student Council after reading the schoolwide summer reading, Kyle Idleman's "Not a Fan".
Through his inimitable wit and subtle humor, Mr. Eagan's message is one that resonated deeply. In that our "Insane Courage" shirts are going home this week, we thought our families might enjoy the original messages. You can stream or download the messages at the links below:
Message 1: https://www.box.com/s/d6df7f273cb011af8853
Message 2: https://www.box.com/s/9636d9050dbce4bc0fbe
Message 3: https://www.box.com/s/c530996449e57296a519
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| May 22, 2013 | | Vol. 3, Issue 12 |
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Zephaniah 3:17 | |
"The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." |
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Online Re-enrollment Underway Now! |
Re-Enrollment for the 2013-14 School Year
Families of current MDO, Preschool and current K-12th grade students should have received an email link to re-enroll for the 2013-14 school year. If you have not found the email, or if your email address has changed, please contact your school area secretary. They will need your name, student's name, phone number and the email address where the form needs to be sent. The deadline for priority re-enrollment is February 15th.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Michelle Reddy, Director of Admissions:
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Jog-a-thon 2013 |
Your support of Jog-a-thon works to make NCS a stronger school! This year's Jog-a-thon targets are:
1. Campus Security (45%)
2. Classroom Technology (45%)
3. Service Learning (10%)
Your support is appreciated! Please consider supporting the effort by visiting the following link:
Jog-a-thon 2013 |
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School Spirit Shirts
available in the office | |
Limited numbers of "Insane Courage" t-shirts available for $12. |
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Arizona Christian
University | |
Arizona Christian University is thankful for the partner we have in NCS and are excited to offer free application to all NCS graduates now through the end of the school year! To receive your application waiver code, call the admissions office at (602)386-4100.
www.arizonachristian.edu |
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Grand Canyon University | |
Northwest Christian School is a proud member of the GCU Canyon Christian School Consortium.
High school students (grades 9-12) who are accepted to attend GCU will receive a $5,000 (on-campus housing) or $2,500 (off-campus housing) CCSC scholarship at GCU per year for each year of attendance at NCS. This could save students up to $20,000 on college tuition over the course of four years.
NCS parents also have access to an exclusive 10% discount, providing savings toward tuition and fees for online undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degree programs at GCU. (Scholarships are available for campus-based programs. The CCSC discount cannot be combined with any other institutional aid offer or discount.)
chool. www.gcu.edu |
| Follow NCS on Twitter | |
Follow NCS @NCSCrusaders |
| New Early Ed Class and Infant Care | |
The new infant care program begins in November and space is limited. As well, an additional Tuesday and Thursday morning class for young three year olds has also just opened. The Mom's Day Out program for toddlers and the preschool program has several openings and spots will go quickly. We appreciate your referrals to family and friends. For more info, please contact Michelle Reddy at mreddy@ncsaz.org |
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National League of Junior Cotillions | |
NATIONAL LEAGUE OF JUNIOR COTILLIONS
for young men and women in sixth through eighth grade
Northwest Christian congratulates
Mrs. Patricia Richards
for being honored by the
National League of Junior Cotillions
with the
Cotillion Allegiance Award
an honor afforded to directors who demonstrate true commitment to students and parents within the community.
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| Boxtops for Education | |
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Thanks to your generosity, the "Box Tops for Education" program has earned $1,993 in school supplies for NCS since January 1, 2012.
Earn cash for Northwest Christian every time you shop for groceries. Clip box tops from hundreds of your favorite products and drop them off in the school office. Each box top is worth 10 cents for NCS--that adds up fast!
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| NCS International Student Program | |
Are you interested in hosting an international student for the 2012/2013 school year?
Each year, NCS welcomes a limited number of international Christian students into the school's community. Hosting families provide a meaningful opportunity to a young person looking for new opportunities.
For more information, please contact:
Michelle Reddy
Director of Admissions
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| NCS Purple Pages | |
Support NCS families by shopping for goods and services through Purple Pages!
Click Here |
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ANYTIME
FITNESS | |
What are you waiting for?
24 hour co-ed club
Newest equipment in the area
Private showers
Certified Personal Trainers
Personal TV's and Ipod docks on all cardio units
Weekly Group Classes:
$5/class for non-members!
Monday, 6:30pm:: Holy Yoga
Tuesday. 6:30pm: Zumba
Wednesday: 6:30pm, Turbo Kick
Saturday, 8:30am: Turbo Kick and 10:00am Zumba
Mention the "NCS Spotlight" to receive a free 14 day mini membership.
Anytime Fitness (Glendale) is owned and operated by NCS family Wade and Janelle Moser. |
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You are invited!
Valley West Women's Bible Study | |
This non-denominational women's Bible study meets Thursday mornings on the NCS campus. Using Titus 2:3-5 as a foundation, VWWBS has been ministering to women for thirty years. This is the place to find encouragement, support, friendship, and solid Biblical teaching.
September through April
9:15 to 11:15am
Free childcare for birth to 5 years |
| Moms in Prayer | |
Please come and join other NCS moms in praying for our school, our staff, and our children!
Wednesday mornings, resuming this fall, 8:00 to 9:00am, room C102 in the Cook Center.
For more information, please call Kathy LaBarbera, (623)521-2308 or Sherrie Walker, (623)221-2516. |
| Nothing Bundt Cakes | |
Nothing Bundt Cakes
is a generous sponsor ofNCS Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week
Take time to visit the web site and order your Father's Day special today! |
| Built on the Rock Foundation | |
Built on the Rock is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation which is dedicated to the advancement of Christian education. Built on the Rock was founded in 2000 and has been supporting Christian education ever since.
For more information on any BOTR program, including "Outstanding Christian Educator" award program, the "High School Senior Scholarship" program, and the "Financial Hardship Assistance" program, please visit www.builtontherock.net.
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LifeStream
a NCS service learning partner |
LifeStream Complete Senior Living offers a spectrum of retirement and senior living services including:
Independent Living
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Skilled Nursing
We have four
beautiful communities
to choose from: Glendale Northeast Phoenix Surprise Youngtown/Sun City LifeStream Complete Senior Living is a non-profit organization driven by a desire to preserve seniors' dignity, independence and quality of life. Special moments happen here everyday... Come join us! (623)933-3333 |
| Year End Tax Credit Opportunity |
Donors may donate until April 15th to receive a tax credit on their 2012 Arizona Individual Income Tax Return.
We strongly recommend that you contact the individual STO's to determine what, if any, cutoff dates they have established.
If you have any specific questions, please contact the NCS Business Office
Diane Collicott,
dcollicott@ncsaz.org
or
Tom Hartzler,
thartzler@ncsaz.org
For more information on how to contribute please click:
www.AZTO.org
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