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Des Moines Christian School

October 19, 2012

 

Des Moines  

Christian School

 

Our Mission -Equipping students with an excellent biblically-directed, Christ-centered education.
 
Our Vision -Students will become servant leaders who think critically, discern spiritually, and act biblically.
 
Our Core Values -

Christ-centered

Student-focused

Wise stewardship of

  all resources

Serving those inside

  and outside the body
  of Christ

Striving toward

  excellence in all of our
  endeavors
 
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ePulse


Editing and Periodic Writing by Dr. Bob Stouffer, Superintendent 
Development by Marilyn Wilson and Published by Lisa Fitzgerald

PureJoy  

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  (James 1:2-4)
Did You Know?
Mrs. Kostek, Secondary Guidance Counselor,
was the intramural badminton champion at the University of Nebraska.



Opening Quote, Scripture, and Prayer

This Week's Opening Quote -

"Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being. Do you desire to construct a vast and lofty fabric? Think first about the foundations of humility. The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation." (Saint Augustine, 354-430)

 

This Week's Scripture -
"Let the lowly brother boast in exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because, like a flower of the grass, he will pass away." (James 1:9-10)

 

This Week's Prayer -

"Lord, You are God, and I am not. Please allow me to humbly recognize that truth every moment of every day. I so often want to make myself god of my own kingdom. Truthfully, I am often NOT humble. I am full of myself, and I expect the world to revolve around me. Father, allow me to experience glimpses of Your glorious kingdom through my genuine humility. Lord, make me more humble. Amen."


Secondary News

On Saturday, October 13, 2012, the DMC marching band captured a Division I rating during the State Marching Festival held at Waukee High School.  Congratulations to Rob Lane, Instrumental Music Instructor; Gary White, Marching Band Assistant; Kimber Davis, Color Guard Coach; and the band members!

Parking Lot Request

The new parking lot system seems to be working really well.  With change -- and congestion of traffic -- come some challenges, though.  An Early Education parent recently wrote, "My child is in the early education program (all day).  It is becoming increasingly more difficult to pick her up safely in the afternoon (at 3:00-3:30 p.m.).  I find that some of the parking spaces dedicated for pre-school pick-up only, are occupied by parents waiting for their children in the Secondary education programs to be dismissed from school.  I was told to e-mail you about my concern.  I can only imagine that this issue will become worse as the weather starts to change.  My husband who drops her off in the morning tells me he finds the same problem to be true."  Please, everyone, respect the signs for handicapped parking and Early Education parents!  Thank you!

Iowa Assessment Sessions During Parent-Teacher Conferences

If you recently missed the opportunity to hear Jennifer Riedemann, Heartland AEA Assessment Consultant, share information about the new Iowa Assessments administered last spring, you can attend two informational sessions during parent-teacher conferences. Jahna Duda, Director of Curriculum & Assessment, will be on hand Tuesday, October 30 and Thursday, November 1 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the Secondary Media Center to discuss the recent changes to the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) and Iowa Tests of Educational Development (ITED), which are now called Iowa Assessments (IA). DMC students took these new  assessments last spring, and many parents have asked how to interpret the new scores. Bring your child's assessment reports, which were mailed home with report cards, and learn how to interpret standard score, percentile rank, and grade equivalent information. Teachers will also be available to answer questions during conferences. Please RSVP to Jahna Duda.  

Development News

The Merle Hay Mall "Be True to Your School" promotion ends on October 31.  Did you purchase anything at MHM?  Did you submit that amount to be credited to DMCS? If you have purchased items at Merle Hay Mall during the "Be True to Your School" promotion, but didn't take them to Customer Service, we can do that for you.  Put your name on the receipts in a self-addressed envelope, turn them in to the Development Office, and we will do the legwork.  We will mail your receipts back to you.  Thanks!

 

Serve up some cookies and smiles! We need volunteer help with the Open House on Grandparents Day - Friday, December 7th. Our Open House is from 1:00-2:00 p.m. The task will be easy, but oh so helpful! Perhaps you are the parent of a Secondary student and have some time that afternoon to help us; if so, please contact Peggy Lettow at 252-2496. (Ephesians 6:7)

 

Attention, current DMCS parents and guardians - We are working to identify school parents who are alums.  If you attended DMCS or graduated from DMCS, would you please respond to Samona Yentes to let her know what grades you attended while at DMCS and what year you graduated or left DMCS?  Thank you!


Do you have experience in selling or working with collectibles, auctions, Craig's list, etc. and would you like to use your expertise in a volunteer capacity for DMCS?  The school has received an in-kind gift of collectibles, and we are looking for assistance in selling the entire collection.  Please contact Peggy or Mona in the Development Office at 252-2496 for more information.

 

LAST WEEK TO GET YOUR ENTERTAINMENT BOOK(S) FROM DMCS. If you want one while DMCS gets the credit, you better hop to it!


Scholarship Information

Hy-Vee Scholarship - see Hy Vee's website for more information (or the poster outside the Guidance Office).  The deadline for this seniors-only scholarship is February 10, 2013.  

Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) News

Box Tops Clipping Party! We invite ALL DMC parents (EE-12) to join us for our second Box Tops Clipping Party. Meet in the Multi-Purpose Room on Friday, October 26 at 8:30 a.m. Bring your scissors and a smile, and help us clip and process the oodles of Box Tops that have poured in this month. (How much is an "oodle"? You'll have to come and find out!)   This activity is a fun and easy way to get to know other parents while also learning about the PTF collections programs!

 

Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) will be offering the Lion Cub Store during fall conferences in the Multi-Purpose Room!  Lion Cub Spirit Items such as water bottles, pennants, foam paws, vinyl seat cushions, and posters will be sold.  Come see us! 

 

The PTF Chapel Wear Thrift Store is a very popular service for families at DMC!  Did you know that all of the profit which PTF receives form this event is donated to bless Joshua Christian Academy?  PTF does not have enough product to have a sale right now, so, if YOU have any chapel wear to donate, please do so in the next week If we receive enough donations, we will sell items during conferences.  You can drop your items in the bin provided in the MPR, or take them to the Secondary Office.  THANK YOU!

 

Planning for the Big Blue Bash will begin in November!  If you are interested in helping with this school-wide carnival, please contact Jessica Timmons and she will be sure your are put on the contact list. 

Fine Arts Boosters News

The Fine Arts Boosters (FAB) Christmas Greenery Sale is back, and we need your help!

 
Fresh Greenery with a Greater Purpose

October 12th - November 2nd

 

Each year the Fine Arts Boosters work very hard each to support ALL K-12 fine arts programs at DMC.  Through this and other fundraisers, FAB is able to provide much-needed equipment and supplies for the Band, Choir, Drama, and Art programs.  Please help support these excellent programs by participating in our Annual Christmas Greenery Sale. Belle Plaine Nursery, an Iowa company, provides FRESH quality wreaths, balsam rope, door swags, and more to decorate you home, office, and church for the Christmas season. 

 

Start Date: Friday, October 12th

End Date: Wednesday, October 31st

Delivery Date: Thursday, November 15th (picked up at DMC and then delivered by the student)

 

Packets will be sent home with your student on Friday, October 12th and can be turned into the Elementary or Secondary office at any time during the sale dates. There will be prizes for top sellers.  More information to come! Questions about the sale can be directed to Kimber Davis at (515) 418-4893. 

 

Notes from Chapel & Cross Trainers

Crossroads Fellowship Senior Pastor Jim Petersen delivered a rousing message to the Elementary students, staff, and parents in attendance at Elementary Chapel on Wednesday, October 17, 2012. If you would like to read my summary of Pastor Jim's message, "God Is God, And I Am Not," please click here.

 

Former Accomplished Des Moines Christian Varsity Boys' Basketball Coach Mike Swaim addressed the men of CrossTrainers on Wednesday, October 17, 2012.  Mike had prepared well for the CT session, but God took him in a completely different direction the night before.  If you would like to read my summary of Mike's message, "Desperate Situations," please click here.  

Upcoming Chapel Services

Elementary Chapel on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 -

Multi-Purpose Room - 8:45-9:10 a.m. - Pastor Brian Bopp, First Assembly of God, Des Moines

 

Secondary Chapel on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 -

Gymnasium - 11:14 a.m. until 12:01 p.m. - Worship Chapel


You are welcome to attend chapel at any time!

 
The next ePulse will be published on Friday, October 26, 2012.

  

"We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility." (Rabindranath Tagore, 1861-1941, Indian poet) 

 

 

Sincerely,  
Signature
Dr. Bob Stouffer, Superintendent 


Des Moines
Christian School

13007 Douglas Parkway, Urbandale, IA 50323

Phone: (515) 252-2480 Fax: (515) 251-6911   


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