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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 -
∙ 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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Click here for the free eBook. Use the code FREEEBOOK when you checkout. |
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ePulse
Editing and Periodic Writing by Dr. Bob Stouffer, Superintendent Development by Marilyn Wilson and Published by Lisa Fitzgerald
 "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) |
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Did You Know?
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Mr. Temperley, Secondary Principal, was on stage at a Bob Dylan concert in 1997.
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Opening Quote, Scripture, and Prayer
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This Week's Opening Quote -
"How many observe Christ's birthday! How few, His precepts!" (Benjamin Franklin, 1706-1790, American writer, a philosopher, a scientist, a politician, a patriot, a Founding Father, an inventor, and publisher)
This Week's Scripture:
"1In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:1-7, English Standard Version)
This Week's Prayers -
"Lord, this weekend, we enter into the Christmas season by celebrating the first Sunday of Advent. Lord, prepare my heart. Prepare my mind. Bring me into a most worshipful state. Help me to embrace the Christ child as the source of my salvation. May I live in light of that rescue every day of my life, but make me very appreciative that You, Father, sent Your only begotten Son to earth to redeem me! I praise You, Lord! Amen!"
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Notes from Dr. Bob
| How very exciting to experience the Des Moines Christian School Concert Choir, under the direction of Joy Augustine, backing-up Kenny Rogers extremely well during his Hits and Christmas Concert at the Des Moines Civic Centre on Monday, November 26th! From nearly the back row of the auditorium, my wife Cheryl and I (Dr. Bob) beamed with pride for the beautiful sound produced by the choir. How cool that Kenny Rogers called the choir and Mrs. Augustine out by name! And he wants them to accompany him again in 2013! I was pleased to see so many parents at the concert, but, of course, I was not surprised, because DMC parents always bring such positive support in droves. I am extremely grateful for the extra efforts of he choir and Mrs. Augustine in rehearsing for this concert! These young people and Mrs. Augustine represented Christ, their families, and the school so well! And they certainly helped usher Cheryl and me into the Christmas season! Merry Christmas! The first Sunday of Advent is December 2nd!
I, Dr. Bob, would give anything to insure a school culture which is void of bullying, but I know that many Christian school children also struggle with these behaviors. Do you think your child is the victim of bullying? An equally important question: Is your child bullying an/other child/ren? Check out the following 2-minute video to distinguish the difference between bullying and conflict. Please let us know if you have concerns about conflict or bullying at Des Moines Christian. We are working with all of our might to help students develop great relationships, to effectively resolve their conflicts, and to avoid any bullying behaviors. We have zero tolerance for bullying. |
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Curriculum Update
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As part of professional development, the teachers have been learning about and participating in newly-created Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) this year. These teams of teachers work together to achieve a common goal focused on increasing student achievement. Some of the goals established by our teacher teams include the following:
- Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners
- Examine grading and assessment strategies
- Create technology-rich lessons to enhance student learning
- Identify the essential skills for the subjects we teach
The Annual Progress Report is submitted to the State of Iowa each fall as an accountability measure. If you would like to read about Des Moines Christian School's students' progress during the 2011-2012 school year, please click here.
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DMCS in the News
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We are pleased to report that Alumnus Lindsay Lettow ('08) was named NCAA Division II Female Scholar Athlete of the Year. Congratulations, Lindsay!
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Secondary News
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On Friday, December 7, grades 7-12 will dismiss at 2:10 p.m.
Hy-Vee Scholarship: Visit the Hy-Vee website or see the poster outside the Guidance Office. The deadline for this seniors-only scholarship is February 10, 2013.
Veridian Scholarship: Veridian Credit Union has 3 scholarships listed on their website.
The Iowa National Guard Officers Auxiliary is sponsoring a scholarship for students who are senior children/stepchildren of IA national Guard members. See Mrs. Kostek for an application.
The Burger King Scholarship Program is open to Burger King employees or children of employees. See Mrs. Kostek for information.
The American Legion has information on Scholarship and Financial Aid. Click here for more information.
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Fine Arts News
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We have a few items left over from the Greenery Sale. If you would like to purchase these items at a 50% discount please contact Kimber Davis at 418-4893.
- One 25' Outdoor Balsam Rope - Sale Price $14
- One 50' Outdoor Balsam Rope - Sale Price $25
- Several 36" Balsam Wreaths - Sale Price $19
Metal Shelving and Clear Storage Containers are needed for the Drama Department. The Drama Department is growing, and so is our collection of stage props, costumes, and set pieces. To maximize the small space we have to store these items, we need shelving and storage containers to organize and protect the items. If you are able to donate gently-used or new items, listed below, please contact Drama Director Ashley Skinner , Parent Kimber Davis, Parent Lynn Nichols.
4 Metal Shelving Units - 5 shelves each -72"Hx36"Wx18"D
Clear Shoe Boxes - as many as you would like to donate
Clear 28-qt. Under Bed Storage Boxes - as many as you would like to donate
Clear 66-qt. or larger Storage tubs - as many as you would like to donate
Clear Closet Drawer Sets - 3 drawer sets- will fit on the shelving units best
Clear Counter Top 3 Drawer Storage Unit - as many as you would like to donate
Thank you for your support.
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Business Office News
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The TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) has been renamed DMC$ DOLLAR$! Our new name is intended to communicate to all families that anyone and everyone can reduce tuition expense at DMCS through this program. DMC$ DOLLAR$ is not a needs-based program. Almost 200 DMCS families are currently participating in DMC$ DOLLAR$, and weekly gift card sales will reach their peak in the months of November and December, as families use this program not only for gas and groceries, but also for Christmas shopping. If you want to know how you can earn hundreds or thousands of dollars a year, please visit the DMCS website and click on the DMC$ DOLLAR$ tab, or contact Michelle Bailey. We want to help you set up your account to earn tuition credits or to make payments to your lunch account.
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Development Office News
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Grandparents Day is Friday, December 7, 2012. Invitations have been mailed to grandparents. To view the invitation, click here.
Grandparents, please remember to RSVP if you plan to attend the complimentary Foundation luncheon at The Iowa Machine Shed from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. This luncheon includes a planned giving presentation. We are sorry we cannot accommodate parents or children. Please RSVP to Peggy Lettow at (515) 252-2496.
Volunteers are needed to set up our "well-used, yet beautiful" Christmas tree! Can you help put up the tree in the Multi-Purpose Room on Monday, November 26th or soon thereafter? This beautiful "Festival Tree" was donated to the school several years ago. The tree is permanently decorated and only needs to be moved from storage for display in the MPR. Please contact Peggy Lettow at 252-2496 if you can help.
Des Moines Christian School is committed to sound budget planning that balances the cost of faculty compensation and program improvements with the cost of tuition. To maintain that balance, the Gift Registry provides an opportunity to fund items that enhance the value of our educational offerings and improve our facilities outside of the general fund operating budget. Please click here to see the current gift registry.
Join the Annual Food Drive at DMCS to Benefit Hope Ministries! Boxes for your non-perishable food items are located under the bulletin boards in our Multi-Purpose Room. The last day to bring your food items will be Friday afternoon, December 14th. Hope Ministries indicated the need is great. The most desired items follow:
- Canned green beans
- Canned fruit cocktail
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Early Education News
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Early Education is seeking a Lead Teacher for the year-round, all-day Pre-Kindergarten classroom. Preferred candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Application materials are available here.
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Elementary News
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Grandparents Day is almost here! For information about the elementary concerts (drop off room, pick up location, etc.), or for a copy of the invitation sent to grandparents, click here.
Please note that grades K-6 will dismiss at 2:00 p.m. and grades 7-12 will dismiss at 2:10 p.m.
Please note that there will be a brief photo opportunity, while students are on stage, before each concert. Once the performance begins, in order to comply with fire code, blocking of the aisles is strictly prohibited. This includes the sitting in the floor and the use of tripods in the aisles. If you wish to film the concert, you are welcome to set up a tripod in the back of the sanctuary as long as you are not obstructing views or access to the doors.
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Athletics News
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Congratulations to the Volleyball Team! The following students were voted all conference players: 1st team-seniors Linnea Stevens and Kylie Thiner (unanimous); 2nd team-senior Olivia Rasmussen; All District-Olivia Rasmussen, Kylie Thiner, and Linnea Stevens; and All State-Kylie Thiner. New DMC Volleyball Records: Linnea Stephens-assists in a season - 679; Olivia Rasmussen-458 digs in a season and 32 digs in a match; and Kylee Thiner-kills in a season - 333. Congratulations, ladies!
Looking for Christmas gift ideas for the Lions fan in your life? Support your school and purchase DMCS spirit wear! Spirit wear orders submitted by December 17 will be ready by December 21.
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PTF News
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Mission Christmas: The Giving Trees
The Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF), along with the 8th and 9th graders, invite everyone (EE-12th grade) to bring either paper items or Box Tops to donate to Joshua Christian Academy or corn and toilet paper to donate to Hope Ministries' Bethel Mission facility. Every student who brings in an item, they will get to help decorate our 4 "Live" Christmas Trees - Dr. Bob, Mr. Temperley, Mrs. Lowe, and Mrs. Dickinson. For more information, click here.
Operation Christmas Child Results 728 shoe boxes! WOW! Last year, we donated 638 boxes. Our numbers increased by 90 boxes! Praise God for our generous families! We are not just filling shoe boxes, we are filling hearts. Each one of those 728 shoe boxes represents a child receiving the news of the love of Jesus Christ. Thanks again for your support.
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Notes from Chapel & Cross Trainers
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Several weeks ago, DMC fifth grader Sarah Veurink approached Elementary Principal Karla Lowe with the idea of leading a chapel, an unprecedented request in modern Des Moines Christian history. I am so glad that Mrs. Lowe said yes! The chapel was VERY impactful for everyone in attendance. If you would like to read my summary of Sarah's November 28, 2012 chapel message, "Live Wisely!" please click here, or you can view Sarah's message on our GodTube channel.
America's Family Coaches Vice-President Gary Lydic exhorted the men of CrossTrainers on Wednesday, November 28, 2012. If you would like to read my summary of Gary's message, "Intimacy with God," please click here.
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Upcoming Chapel Services
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Elementary Chapel on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Multi-Purpose Room - 8:45-9:10 a.m. - Mr. Jerry Clutts
Secondary Chapel on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Gymnasium - 11:14 a.m. until 12:01 p.m. - Mr. Will Brown, Wells Fargo; husband of first grade teacher Charlene Brown; and father of DMC students Devan, Morgan, and Tristan
You are welcome to attend chapel at any time!
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Upcoming Community Events
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Please show your support of Joshua Christian Academy by visiting Burger King at either 8550 Birchwood Court (off of 86th Street and I-80/35) or 2565 E. Euclid (off of I-235) on December 13th from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Burger King will donate 20% of all food sales during that time to JCA. Remember to let Burger King know you are supporting JCA when you place your order (drive up or dine in).
Join in a cherished tradition at Valley United Methodist Church for our annual "No Room at the Inn Festival of Nativities". Experience over 300 nativities creatively displayed to give honor and glory to the birth of our Savior Christ the Lord! All ages welcomed, and the site is handicapped accessible. Valley UMC is located at 4201 Ashworth Road in West Des Moines. In the spirit of giving shelter, donations will be accepted for Habitat for Humanity, helping to provide shelter for hardworking Des Moines area families. Come Friday, November 30th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, December 1st from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; or Sunday, December 2nd from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Questions? You may contact the church via email or at (515) 225-8128.
A registered nurse has openings in her home daycare. For more information, call (515) 201-7791.
Interested in 1st through 8th grade girls basketball? You can access the Urbandale Girls Recreation Association form by clicking here.
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The next ePulse will be published on Friday, December 7, 2012.
Paraprosdokian of the Week:
"Where there's a will, I want to be in it."
(Paraprosdokians are figures of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected and frequently humorous.)
Closing Quote:
"Women are meant to be loved, not to be understood."
(Oscar Wilde, 1854-1900, Irish writer and poet)
Sincerely,
 Dr. Bob Stouffer, Superintendent
Des Moines Christian School
13007 Douglas Parkway, Urbandale, IA 50323
Phone: (515) 252-2480 Fax: (515) 251-6911
 
Click here to view archived copies of the ePulse
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