| Northwest Christian School |
Dear NCS family,
It's happened already several times this year and I love it. And, I handle it the same way each time it happens. Folks will approach me and ask, "Geoff, how can we be praying for the school this year?" My answer? I always respond, "Pray that we run out of bacon."
Allow me to explain.
Once a month, we host a time of prayer and fellowship for the men of Northwest Christian. It's been happening for years--more years than I've been at the school. It's called "Big Boys on Campus" and it's a time for our men--dads, grandads, pastors, teachers, and students--to come together and pray corporately for the school, its families, its students, and its teachers. We also enjoy a great, complementary breakfast together. It has been fun to see how the Lord has used our time of earnest prayer and great food over these past several years. I've learned through experience, time and time again, that the Lord hears the prayers of His people and when it comes to James 5:16, He means business.
But, to be honest, there is also another reason I love the Big Boys on Campus breakfasts: Chef Bob's bacon. This is the thickest, best-seasoned, most flavorful stuff you've ever tasted. It's a little slab of heaven! I will not lie: every month, I take more than my fair share of this stuff. But, there are months, when it's all done and we're cleaning up, that I look at that pan of leftover bacon and wish we'd run completely out. I'm not complaining about the number of men who make it out to BBOC--I don't really care about the numbers. Nonetheless, I'm praying for that day when the burden for prayer that we feel as men--the burden to pray for these students and what He hopes to see accomplished within their lives through this school--is so overwhelming that BBOC is packed out. And we run out of bacon.Would you be willing to help me empty that pan of bacon this Friday? We'll be meeting from 7:00 to 7:30am on the football field. I guarantee you'll be blessed and moved as you participate in a moment where "two or three are gathered". But, I cannot guarantee you'll get to taste that bacon. I am praying that we run out. Grateful for the opportunity to serve this school and your family, Geoff Brown Superintendent Northwest Christian School (623)225-5573 (cell)
|
|
Love Above All: T-shirts Celebrating the Theme for the School Year are Available Now
|
For the fifth year, the tradition of an annual theme helps to bring focus to our efforts as a school
For the past five years, each summer, the Northwest Christian High School student council has prayerfully considered a theme and a scripture for the upcoming school year. "A theme allows for a couple of things," explains superintendent Geoff Brown. "First, it allows us to prayerfully focus on a unified direction. This informs so many aspects of what we do. Consider, for example, chapels. Chapel speakers all rallied around a single focus and help move the school forward in a unified direction. Second, a single theme pulls the school together. Preschool, elementary, middle school, and high school are all unified."
This year, working with members of the secondary Bible team, student council has prayerfully settled upon "Love Above All" as the theme and Col. 3:14 as the foundational scripture for the year. From Colossians 3...
12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
The tradition includes the opportunity for students to purchase t-shirts which celebrate the theme and to wear them on Fridays throughout the school year. Orders can be placed through September 10th at the following link:
NCS Love Above All T-shirts
|
|
Northwest Christian Spring 2014 ACT Scores Set School Records
|
Both ACT and SAT10 scores reveal students are making solid and historic gains
In the last issue of the Spotlight e-newsletter, we reported that SAT10 scores from the spring of 2014 came back very strong. In nearly two-thirds of subject area classes, students demonstrated growth that would be statistically considered greater than a single year's academic growth. Generally, anything greater than 7% annual growth within National Percentile Rank is considered unprecedented. This year, seven different areas within the school experienced annual growth between 10 and 18%.
Now, the campus is buzzing again as that the spring 2014 ACT scores have also come back very strong, achieving historic gains for the second year in a row. The composite score (the average of the four test categories: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science) is the highest it has ever been for the school and is over 20% higher than the average composite score for schools in Arizona. This is especially significant in that there is a broader base of Northwest Christian students opting to take the ACT than ever before. The percentage of participating students who took the test this past spring was 40% higher than at any point in the past. Specifically, in both reading and science, scores reached historic highs for the school with the science score being a over a full point higher.
"This is so exciting," explains superintendent Geoff Brown, "because it affirms the momentous amount of effort being put forward by both teachers and students. These trends aren't the result of happenstance. They are the result of heroic amounts of effort and energy being put forward within the classroom. It's real easy to get excited when you consider the combination of academic rigor and Biblical integration in NCS classrooms and how that will play into the futures of our students."
|
|
Generous Sponsors of the Northwest Christian Athletes
|
|
NCS Christian Warriors Earn Two State Titles
|
Two students awarded the honor of State Title Holder in first ever GMHMA Arizona State Title Championship
The NCS Christian Warriors chapter is part of the Grand Master Han Martial Arts (GMHMA) association, which is founded on honoring Jesus through six core principles: Be Polite, Be Patient, Be Alert, Be Brave, Do Your Best and Respect Yourself and Others. Their team motto is "Never Give Up".
Three members of the NCS team did just that--they never gave up! With over 300 students participating in the GMHMA program throughout the year, only 45 students were eligible to enter the first ever Arizona State Title Competition held in August. NCS students Jordan Huggett, Joshua Humphrey and Carter Barksdale all qualified to compete in this statewide competition.
"I am very proud of the all NCS students who qualified and participated in the AZ State Title Competition! Qualifying for this competition is the result of a lot of hard work and dedication," remarked John Fagan, their Master Trainer. "More importantly, I am proud of the way these young men carried themselves as martial artists and as Christian Warriors."
Jordan Huggett and Joshua Humphrey made it to the final round in both Forms and Sparring, which is no easy task. These students train several times a week crafting their forms and techniques. The Christian Warrior training program is designed to build the individual's mental, physical, and spiritual development as well as promote a team environment where students encourage, respect and train one another.
Jordan was Runner-Up in Forms and the State Title Holder in Sparring for the Junior Boy's White to Brown Belt division. Joshua, competing in the Youth Boy's White to Brown Belt division, was the State Title Holder in Sparring and Runner-Up in Forms. Each boy received a six foot trophy for the State Title Holder designation and a 4 foot trophy for their second place honor.
Joshua has been an NCS Christian Warrior for over a year and half and has trained hard to earn his blue belt designation. Now entering third grade, he is half way to receiving the highest honor of black belt and is very excited to be a State Title Holder who will soon be receiving his red belt. When asked what he likes best about being a Christian Warrior he said, "I like training with Master John because he's so nice. We work real hard and it's a lot of fun!"
Jordan has also trained at NCS since the Christian Warriors program began. He is a brown belt on his way to earning his black belt in September. We asked Jordan how he feels about this amazing achievement and he said, "It's pretty cool because I set that as my goal in 1st grade, and I will achieve it in 5th grade!" Jordan frequently trains many of the other lower ranking belts demonstrating both technique and team spirit.
GMHMA has been part of the Northwest Christian ASAP program for over four years, training many NCS Christian Warriors. During the school year, Master John Fagan coaches up to 30 students each quarter with 15 team members who consistently train on campus as well as in additional classes throughout the week. For more information on the NCS Christian Warriors and other after school programs, please check the quarterly ASAP offerings.
|
|
Generous Sponsors of Northwest Christian Athletes
|
|
Anticipation Builds as the Crusader Nation Prepares for First Home Football Game of the Year
|
The first 500 Crusader Nation fans in the gate will receive free Crusader seat cushions to celebrate new bleachers
The first win of the season is already in the books. On Saturday, August 30th, for the second year in a row, the Northwest Christian Crusaders took on the Valley Christian Trojans in the cooler climes of Flagstaff at the NAU Walk-Up Skydome as the title game in the AIA's "Kick Off Classic". It's hard not to get excited after the results. Where last year's team narrowly fended off VCHS in a series of last-quarter clutch plays, this year's win was much more decisive: 45 to 14. After an early exit from last year's play-offs at the hands of Tempe Prep, this was a team that looked disciplined and determined, back in championship form after winning two Division V state titles in the last four years.
After that early exit from the state title hunt last fall, this year's home game opener finds the Crusaders going up against Tempe Prep once again. It's going to be another epic grid iron battle! After playing Scottsdale Christian on Friday, September 5th at SCA, the season's first home game is Friday, September 12th.
To commemorate the finished construction of the newly erected bleachers which the Lord blessed the school with this past summer, we're passing on a unique keepsake. The first 500 Crusader Nation fans through the gate that night, Friday, September 12th, will each receive a Crusader seat cushion. (Gates open at 5pm.)
|
|
Generous Sponsors of Northwest Christian Athletes
|
|
Support NCS Alumni Playing Firestorm Football!
|
|
 Saturday, September 13th, 7:15pm
Shadow Mountain High School
Come support Northwest Christian alumni--Sammy Serwa, Kyle Shipp, Dean Shipp, and Michael Costello--as ACU Firestorm football takes on Western New Mexico University.
Saturday, September 13th is "Christian High School Night". For more information, please visit:
ACU Firestorm Football
|
|
NCS Announces New Partnership with Princeton Review
|
|
Northwest Christian students provided free and unprecedented access to college test prep courses and materials
Recognized nationally as one of the finest services available to students to assist in preparation for college and university, the Princeton Revew has just recently partnered with Northwest Christian as part of a unique, one-of-a-kind arrangement. The partnership extends to every Northwest Christian High School student the access to online courses which speak to college preparedness in terms of the PSAT, ACT, and SAT. Additionally, based upon G.P.A., students will have access to free (or very low cost) in-person courses that will take place on campus. (For students with a G.P.A. of 3.75 and above, the in-person courses will be free. For students with a lower G.P.A., classes have a reduced fee structure.) These courses will be coupled Princeton Review Assessments throughout the year which will allow teachers to monitor growth within their students. Additionally, a free 9-hour PSAT prep course will be offered to the top 25 students in the Junior class annually.
The Princeton Review partnership is an extension of the new Pursuing His Purpose guidance program that the school is launching this fall. Overseen by NCS guidance counselor Brittney Meyer, Pursuing His Purpose brings together solid Bible curriculum and resources that will help to point students towards God's purposes for their lives while also equipping them to reach those objectives within their lives that they identify through prayer and time in God's word.
More information regarding the Princeton Review partnership and the opportunites available can be obtained by downloading the following:
PRINCETON REVIEW NCS LIGHTHOUSE PARTNERSHIP
|
Generous Sponsors of Northwest Christian Athletes
|
Middle School Math Cracks the Top Ten in AATM Competition
|
|
Annual algebra test allows first-year algebra students to compete in statewide contest
May brought exciting news to NCS as the school learned that two Northwest Christian seventh grade students cracked the top ten list of the strongest performers in the annual statewide algebra contest sponsored by the Arizona Association of Teachers of Mathematics. The contest is open to all Algebra 1-2 students and took place on May 6th. NCS 7th graders Alissa Jensen and Kenna Nagler tied and grabbed the spot together. Northwest Christian joins only two other schools--All Saints Episcopal Day School and St. Gregory College Prep--with students in the top ten for the state.
The Arizona Association of Teachers of Mathematics (AATM) promotes itself as a leader in mathematics education, ensuring that all students have access to the highest quality mathematics teaching and learning. AATM presents a comprehensive, collaborative math education community while also supporting math teachers who seek to implement best practices within their classrooms.
Within Northwest Christian, the opportunity for 7th graders to be involved in an accelerated math curriculum is about three years old. Through placement testing, students who ably demonstrate aptitude are afforded the opportunity to move forward within math. Once they demonstrate aptitude in math, these students can begin taking high school math courses as part of their 8th grade schedule. "I am so proud of their accomplishments," says middle school principal Samantha Maszton, "and proud of a system that allows them to experience success. I am very much looking forward to what these young ladies accomplish in the future."
|
|
Generous Sponsors of Northwest Christian Athletes
|
|
Generous Sponsors of Northwest Christian Athletes
|
|
Generous Sponsors of Northwest Christian Athletes
|
 
Trina Nevrla (719) 271-0040
|
Congratulation to our high school boys YMCA basketball team for winning the valley wide tournament last week at the Sun's Arena!
|
|
|
Free NCS Bumper Sticker!
|
Show your school spirit!
Please present this coupon in the school office to receive a complimentary NCS bumper sticker.
Limit one per family.
| | Offer Expires: Offer available while current supplies last. |
|
|
| September 3, 2014 | |
Vol. 5, Issue 1
|
|
Psalm 95:6-7
| | Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if only you would hear his voice, |
|
Big Boys on Campus
The Monthly NCS Men's Prayer Breakfast
| |
Enjoy a delicious, complementary hot breakfast and a time of devotions and prayer with men from the NCS community.
On the first Friday of each month, throughout the school year, the men of NCS are invited to take part in a long-standing NCS tradition: Big Boys on Campus.
For the 2014/2015 school year, the first BBOC prayer breakfast of the year will take place on
Friday, September 5, 2014
7:00 to 7:30am
Football field
|
|
GEAR FOR THE
FAMILY!
|
Online apparel store is open again!
Please click
here to start shopping!
The store will be open until Midnight, September 14th.
At this point, all orders will be processed. All orders will be delivered by Cloud 9 to the school office and then distributed. School spirit gear will be delivered within 10 business days from store closing.
|
|
NCHS Adventure Cru
"The Rugged Maniac"
5K Obstacle Race
|
The NCHS Adventure Cru wants you to join their 2014 team for the Rugged Maniac 5K obstacle race taking place on November 22, 2014!
Register at www.ruggedmaniac.com, and put down "NCS Adventure Cru" as your team name and register for the 12:45pm start time. Once, you've registered, send an email to gbrown@ncsaz.org.
All team members will receive a free Adventure Cru t-shirt to wear during the event!
|
|
Arizona Christian
University
|
Join Arizona Christian University for ACU Experience 2014 November 6-8! ACU Experience 2014 kicks off with dinner and then a free concert with acclaimed Christian recording artists Building 429! This multiday event is designed to give high school students a glimpse of what it's like to be an ACU student, from student life activities, attending classes, eating in the dining hall, and even staying in the dorms! Plus, all attendees receive a free ACU t-shirt and are eligible for other great prizes throughout the event! To be eligible for the free concert, students must check-in at 4 p.m. on November 6. To learn more, contact 602-386-4100 or e-mail admissions@arizonachristian.edu
|
|
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.)
|
| Follow NCS on Twitter | |
Follow NCS @NCSCrusaders
|
| New Early Ed Class and Infant Care | |
The new infant care program is underway and space is limited. A 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
|
|
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.
|
| Box Tops for Education | |
WOW!
The November 2013 box tops submission has earned a record $1570 for the school! Thank you for your generosity and support!
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!
|
| NCS International Student Program | |
Are you interested in hosting an international student for the 2014/2015 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
|
| NCS Purple Pages | |
Support NCS families by shopping for goods and services through Purple Pages!
Click Here |
|
ANYTIME
FITNESS
| |
Proud Sponsor of the NCS "Biggest Loser" Competitions
Owned by NCS family: Wade, Janelle, Abby, Logan Moser
*Apply online for a FREE 14 day Pass!
http://www.anytimefitness.com
Facebook.com/AnytimeGlendaleAZ
6640 W Cactus Rd - Glendale
|
|
You are invited!
Valley West Women's Bible Study
| |
This non-denominational women's Bible study meets Thursday mornings on the campus of Northwest Community Church. 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. |
| Built on the Rock Foundation | |
Built on the Rock s 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
|
|
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
|
|
The Place
is a generous NCS Fine Arts Sponsor
|
5171 W Bell Rd, Glendale, AZ 85308
(602) 896-9929
|
| State Tuition Tax Credit Opportunity |
Donors may donate until April 15th to receive a tax credit on their 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
|
|
