THE OFFICIAL E-NEWSLETTER OF THE CHRIST SCHOOL 
JASON W. POWELL, Ed.D. HEAD OF SCHOOL

August 24, 2016
It's Smile Time!
School portraits will be taken next week on Monday and Tuesday, August 29 and 30. Portrait order envelopes will be sent home this week. Please see the portrait schedule to learn which day (Monday or Tuesday) your child's photo will be taken. Students should wear their dress uniform on their assigned picture day - if it is Monday, wear it Monday, if it is Tuesday, wear it Tuesday - but not on both days.  If you have any questions, please email Hayes Schardt.
Coffee with the Head of School
All TCS parents are invited to join Head of School, Jason Powell, for a cup of coffee, fellowship, and conversation on Tuesday, September 6 at 8:15 am in the Rotunda Room, located on the 2nd floor of the Clayton Life Center. These events will occur throughout the school year to provide opportunities for parents to discuss topics of interest with our Head of School in a casual setting. Please contact Theresa Opsahl with any questions. We hope to see you there!

FACTS Accounts
As a reminder, all incidental expenses, such as sports fees and field trips, will be attributed to the child(ren) in your FACTS account as they are incurred throughout the school year. It is important to monitor your account on a regular basis to ensure that all information and charges are accurate. Please also confirm that all email addresses are listed correctly so that you will be notified promptly of expenses added to your account. Click here for more information on how Incidental Expenses work in FACTS.
Lions' Song Rehearsals Begin Sept 7
Lions' Song is a non-auditioned choir, open to all 4th and 5th grade students who love to sing! Rehearsals are held every Wednesday from 7:30 to 8:00 am, and 3:40 to 4:10 pmStudents may come to either or both rehearsals, but one is required. Students will have many performance opportunities, both on and off campus. Lions' Song members wear black pants and black shoes (provided by parents) and a tuxedo shirt (ordered by TCS; paid for by parents). Green cummerbunds and bow ties will be provided by TCS.  Please email Mrs. Sweet to register.
Learning about The Christ School Crest
Do you know the meaning behind The Christ School crest?  First grade students learned about all the symbols in the crest this week. The cross at the top means that Christ is over all things. The Bible in the middle symbolizes that God's word is for all people. The middle symbol is a dove and a flame. The dove represents the Holy Spirit and the flame is for academic excellence. Behind these symbols is the green shield of faith.  That means that we promise to prepare others to live by faith in the world.  
Apples for the teacher?
Seventh grade Social Studies students recently brought an unusual supply to class; an apple. It was part of a hands-on demonstration for their economics unit. The goal was to see how God's economy is vastly different from humanity's. We as humans tend to think of life in terms of scarcity. But when we rely on God, we begin to understand that there is enough and that we are enough. Upon the conclusion of the activity, the students were asked to keep the small piece of apple skin that represents the 3% of the earth used for farming. Hopefully, the skin will serve as a reminder that God's grace is sufficient.
Scientific Strategy
The 5th grade students were recently asked to investigate and test three brands of diapers to see which one would be most absorbent for an 18 month old baby. Over two days, the students navigated their way through each step of the scientific method. In class, they discussed the importance of completing several trials to ensure the results are valid and reliable, and to consider variables. The verdict is in and the winner was Huggies!
Spirit Bible Study for Women
The Christ School Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) is excited to host the next Bible study for TCS moms and their friends. This 12 week study takes place on Wednesdays from 8:45 to 11:00 am in room 215 of The Christ School, beginning August 31. We will dig into Beth Moore's study of Daniel. There is still time to join!  Please contact Bible Study Chair, Kim Giglio, for details and to join the study on Wednesday mornings.

Calling All TCS Dads!
All TCS Dads are invited for the first Dads' get together of the year! Please join us Wednesday, September 7 at 6:00 pm at Johnny's Fillin' Station on Fern Creek. Contact TCS Dad, Jamey Winrow, with questions.  

Carpool Safety at The Christ School
We would like to remind you of our morning and afternoon carpool procedures. Safety is our top priority, and timeliness is number two. Please be sure to follow these important carpool procedures to ensure our students' safety as they arrive for and leave school. Remember - TCS carpool is a cell-free zone!

WDS Seeks Spanish Teacher
Weekday School has an immediate opening for a Spanish Enrichment Leader for their 3 and 4 year old students. The four 20 minute classes are held on Wednesday afternoons from 12:00 pm (noon) - 1:30 pm. This position is for 3 hours each week that school is in session, allowing for prep time. Weekday School uses an established preschool Spanish curriculum that utilizes song, vocabulary and hands-on activities. Interested in learning more? Please contact Debbie Karaus at the Weekday School.
Lions' Sports Update
Be sure to see the Middle School Athletic Information Overview and the Lower School Athletic Information Overview for details on sports opportunities for your Lion this fall and winter. Registration is open for a variety of sports!  

Click here for Lions' Sports News. 
TCS Parent Open House
Thursday, September 1, at 6:15 pm
FPCO Sanctuary
Open House is our annual parent night where we share exciting highlights for the new school year. We will also premiere our full-length TCS 20th Anniversary video! After the presentation in the Sanctuary, you are invited to visit your child(ren)'s classrooms to receive class specific information from teachers. Please note, Open House is for parents, only.
The Christ School prayer team is happy to lift our families up in prayer.  If you would like to have them pray for you or someone in your family, please submit your prayer request.
Mark Your Calendars
Lions' Den Open
Every Monday
8:15 - 9:30 am and
2:45 - 3:45 pm
Thursday & Friday, August 25 & 26
Middle School Retreat
Southwind Young Life Camp
Ocklawaha, FL 
Thursday, September 1
TCS Parent Open House
6:15 pm
FPCO Sanctuary
Friday, September 2
College Football T-shirt Day
Wear your favorite college football t-shirt and uniform bottoms
Monday, September 5
Labor Day Holiday
School Closed
Tuesday, September 6
Coffee with the Head of School
8:15 am
2nd Floor Rotunda, Clayton Life Center
Wednesday, September 7
TCS Dad's Night 
6:00 pm
Johnny's Fillin' Station
SAVE THE DATE!
Sunday, October 2
TCS Lions at Orlando City Lions Soccer Game 
Family Event
Details to come!