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

November 16, 2016
Casual Day This Friday - Thanksgiving Basket Drive
The Christ School Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society is sponsoring a Thanksgiving Basket Drive to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank. Our students ask for your help by providing items to fill Thanksgiving baskets by November 18. Suggested items are canned vegetables and fruit cocktail, instant potatoes, biscuit and cornbread mix, gravy packets, canned coffee, monetary donations, and/or grocery store gift cards. Every student who brings in a donation can wear casual clothing on Friday, November 18.  Please adhere to the casual dress guidelines
Share Your TCS Experience!
TCS Families - we need you!  Google reviews are a great way to give prospective families a glimpse into the TCS experience. Our current families are our best ambassadors!  To help others in our community learn more about our school, we ask that you write a review of your family's experience at TCS.  Many thanks for your help and support! 
TCS Christmas Program 

All TCS families are invited to attend our annual Christmas Program on Thursday, December 1 at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. This year, students may wear casual, festive attire. Your help is needed to make this event a success. Please sign up to provide cookies or volunteer that day. For questions, contact Susan Clauss.  
We're Hiring! 

Work at the place you love! The Christ School is seeking the right person to fill the position of Administrative Assistant.  This is a full time position with benefits. For more information and to apply, contact Bill Herlong, Director of Business Operations. 

LION Strong

Thanks to the leadership of Mrs. Ross' 7th grade Bible class, The Christ School collected $688 from our October "Cashual" Day. The money was donated to Samaritan's Purse for Hurricane Matthew Relief. Way to go, LIONS!
 

Important Interviews

Middle school students Jessie Jones, Ashlyn MacNichol and Emma Sweet had the opportunity to interview Judge Wilfredo Martinez in preparation for presentations each will make in social studies. The girls selected the relevant and timely topic of human trafficking, which is a local issue that Judge Martinez encounters increasingly within his courtroom. "I was intimidated by the word "judge," says Ashlyn. "Interviewing a judge sounded scary! But, as soon as we met him, he showed a kind and positive energy that almost immediately calmed my nerves." Jessie says, "He was very helpful with my speech and he helped me gather a different perspective of my topic. I really hope that Judge Martinez can come back and talk to our class about his job and the things he does."
Exploring DNA
TCS 7th grade life science students have been studying deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA. The nucleic acid found in the nuclei of all our cells, DNA is our hereditary information passed on from our parents. In order to understand what this double helix-shaped molecule looks like, the students built DNA models. They used many creative materials including butterflies, flowers, cereal, wire, legos, and Christmas bulbs. The winners, in place order, are Mallory Smith, Drew Barnette, Mary Kate Schrago, Ella Ricchi, Kendall Stearns, and Ellie Hartsgrove. 
Cereal with a Literary Twist

Mrs. Kerlek's 6th grade Language Arts students were tasked to create a cereal based on the setting, plot and characterization of an assigned book in their 1st quarter Independent Reading Project. The cereal box had to look enticing enough to make their friends want to buy it. The students were to include a "prize" inside and feature a fun game on the back that related to the main idea of the book. Classmates voted on which box best conveyed the requirements of the assignment. First place winners were Connor Umpierre, Texys Mahaffey and Johnny Blastic; second and third places were awarded to Riley Boger and Grace Olson, respectively. The boxes are currently on display in the Media Center. 
TCS Sibling Enrollment is Open!

Sibling enrollment is open for the 2017-2018 school year. The Christ School will waive the $150 application fee for our families enrolling an older or younger sibling for the first time. Apply on or before December 16, 2016, to take advantage of this discount. The discount is for TCS siblings applying for Transitional Kindergarten - 8th grade for the first time. The Christ School Online Application is a quick and easy process. We encourage you to apply early as waiting pools are expected in several grades for the upcoming school year. Please contact Joanne Fleming, TCS Director of Admission, if you have any questions.
TOPSoccer Buddies Needed

 ACYS is seeking students age 12 and up to serve as "Buddies" for the players for their TopSoccer program. This outreach program allows children with special needs the opportunity to play soccer with peers and volunteers. No soccer experience is required to participate in this fun and rewarding opportunity, but smiles, a fun spirit, and energy are a must! Volunteer training will be provided. This is a great opportunity to further leadership skills and serve the community.  Click here for details.  
Lions' Sports Update
Registration is open for lower school basketball at acys.org. Registration is open for the winter session of lower school golf at PlayTGA.com/NorthOrlando.  Our Lions are busy with many games and practices. Visit Lions' Sports News for schedules so you can cheer them on!  Let's ROAR Lions!  

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 Hours
Mondays, 8:15 to 9:30 am 
Friday, November 18
Casual Day Thanksgiving Basket Drive
November 21 - 25
Thanksgiving Break
School Closed
Thursday, December 1
All School Christmas Program
7:00 pm
Sanctuary
Sunday, December 4
Choirs Perform at Light Up SODO
5:00 pm
SODO Shopping Center
Thursday, December 8
PTF Council Meeting
8:15 am
TCS Room 215
Tuesday, December 13
Coffee with the Head of School
8:15 am
2nd Floor Rotunda, Clayton Life Center
Friday, December 16
All School Christmas Celebration 
Pancake Breakfast
8:45 am
Lee Fellowship Hall
December 19 - January 2
Christmas Break
School Closed
Tuesday, January 3
Professional Day/Student Holiday
No School