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School Board
Meeting Minutes
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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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Mrs. Rittgers once worked in a shoe factory by the Gettysburg battlefield) where her main jobs were dropping heels and washing soles? She rode the bus twenty miles to work with county prisoners who were working off their bail.(One prisoner was a brother-in-law of Johnny Cash.) Although there was no time to talk, she was given the title of "little missionary girl."
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Happy Spring Break! Don't Forget ...
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Next week is Spring Break! School offices will be closed during break. The Early Education department is open for regular hours and services.
Remember, no school for students on Monday, March 25th, due to teacher In-service activities.
And, finally, there will be no school or child care on Friday, March 29th. The entire school community will be honoring Jesus Christ on Good Friday.
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Opening Quote, Joke, Scripture, and Prayer
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Opening Line of a Joke:
"I did a theatrical performance about puns. . . ."
This Week's Opening Quote:
"Radical obedience to Christ is not easy. . . .It's not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity in this world. Radical obedience to Christ risks losing all these things. But in the end, such risk finds its reward in Christ. And he is more than enough for us." (David Platt, 1979-,American Pastor, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream)
This Week's Scripture:
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
This Week's Opening Prayer:
"Father in heaven, Easter approaches. Easter brings us great joy! And we will appreciate Easter so much more by remembering the sacrifice Your only begotten Son made on our behalves. He IS the image of You, Your heir in honored position! Lord, how glorious that He, the Holy Spirit, and You participated in breathing ALL of Creation into existence! How amazing that all things WERE created through Him and for Him! Jesus Christ IS! Jesus Christ IS before all things and in Him all things DO hold together! Amen!"
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School-Wide Announcements
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I, Dr. Bob, want to share an encouraging story of a recent exchange between a school mother and her Elementary school son: Mom wrote the following to me:
I hope you don't mind if I share a blessing with you. . . .when my son got in the car today, he said, "Mom, I had two BIG blessings today that I can't wait to show you at home." When we got home, he proceeded to unpack three pieces of paper.
The first was a note where the students chose a leader and listed their traits. . . .he had chosen Jesus and listed great qualities to describe Him.
The second paper was "Blessing #1," a note from his best friend telling him how he valued their friendship.
The third was "Blessing #2," a note from another classmate saying they were sorry they hadn't been nice to him lately.
Now, the first two are AWESOME, and I love that the Elementary teacher had the class do that, but the third really blessed me as a DMCS parent. It's wonderful to see hearts being shaped! How mature of that third note writer to respond to the Holy Spirit that way and demonstrate repentance.
I asked his reaction when he saw the third note, knowing that forgiveness is a two-way street. He said he went to his classmate with thanks. He went on to tell me how they are getting along well now. [Blessing #3!]
What a great lesson in turning from sin, forgiving sin, and being renewed when we follow Jesus' example. How wonderful to see the two students learn about the rewards of obedience. . . .and the Lord blessed their obedience with a 'born-again' friendship!
Thank you for all you do and for helping to shape our children's
hearts after Christ's!
Well, I hope that message blessed you as much as it blessed me!
A heartfelt thanks goes out to all who made the packaging of 71, 000 Meals from the Heartland meals a reality and, especially, to organizer Keri Ellingboe! May God richly bless the works of your hands for His children!
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Elementary News
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Special recognition to Third Grade Teacher Ruth Ann Rittgers for running three first-class spelling bees during the morning of Friday, March 8th! Talented spellers and close competition was observed by parents, classmates, and school personnel at each bee. I, Dr. Bob, am especially thankful for her commitment of time, including the preparation for a morning substitute teacher. I greatly appreciated Mrs. Rittgers' preparation, organization, professionalism, sense of fairness, adherence to the rules, and positive encouragement of the students. Thanks to Karla Lowe, Elementary Principal, and Jahna Duda, Director of Assessment and Curriculum, for their important roles in the three bees! It was a joy experiencing the spelling talents of our Elementary students. I praise God for all of the contestants!
The 5th-6th Grade Bee qualifying students follow:
5th Grade: Samantha Kluver, Joseph Kim, Kathryn Wittrock, Bella McDonald, Quinleigh Grimes, and Ali Stanley
6th Grade: Blake Schmitz, Emma Veenstra, Amabel Edema, Madeline Miller, Amanda Mona, and Maddie Willits
Top honors went to Kathryn Wittrock - 1st Place; Amabel Edema - 2nd Place; and Amanda Mona - 3rd Place.
The 3rd-4th Grade Bee qualifying students follow:
3rd Grade: Luke Juffer, Maria Casady, Alex Bainter, Carter Sanders, Aiden Dogic, and Olivia Kennedy
4th Grade: Jim Stroh, Nicole Mona, Rachel Roggenburg, Maddie Kobes, Kennedy Roose, and Emma Wilson
Top honors went to Maddie Kobes - 1st Place; Olivia Kennedy - 2nd Place; and Nicole Mona - 3rd Place.
The 1st-2nd Grade Bee qualifying students follow:
1st Grade: Levi Meeker, Emma Osthus, Cole Manley, Gianna Bennett, Robie Oliver, Sam Elam
2nd Grade: Elea Hammett, Sam Anderson, Tyler Martin, Hayden Wagner, Owen Elam, Kaleigh Friend
Top honors went to Elea Hammett - 1st Place; Robie Oliver - 2nd Place; and Sam Elam - 3rd Place.
Elementary Spiritual Emphasis Week is scheduled for March 26, 27, 28, and April 1. Pastor D.B. Antrim from Westwind Church of Waukee will be the guest speaker. Chapel dress is required only on Wednesday, March 27. The sixth grade class will lead chapel on that day. Due to the special chapel being held on Monday, April 1, there will not be an Elementary chapel on April 3.
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Scholarship Information
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The Junior League of Des Moines is taking applications for their
Annual Women's Scholarship Program. "Volunteerism and Leadership" is the focus of this scholarship. See Mrs. Kostek for an application. Also, a link to the application may be found on their website.
The Alumni of Beta Sigma Psi Lutheran fraternity will be awarding 3 scholarships to Lutheran gentlemen entering ISU in the fall. More information.
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Secondary News
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Please get to know and welcome Mrs. Motsch,our new Secondary Art Teacher for the rest of the 2012-2013 school year!
What brought you to DMC?: I was substituting in the Des Moines district, and I heard there was a job opening at DMCS, which was great, since I didn't have the opportunity in public schools to talk about God.
Where did you go to college?:I went to Grandview University in Des Moines, and I majored in art education.
How did you get to know God?:I grew up in a family that knows God and is very involved in the Church, so my faith has grown throughout all of the years.
Who is your favorite artist (or artists)?: My favorite artists are Magdalena Abakanowicz and Dianne Victor.
We heard you were recently married. How did he pop the question?:We were in Dubuque (a city I love), and we were walking by an old house that was being used as a bed and breakfast. It was snowing, and my now-husband asked me to dance. Then he asked me to marry him!
Why did you want to become an art teacher?: I first went into art therapy when I was in school, and I wanted to give that opportunity to others.
Do you prefer portraits or still life?: Still life!
JOB OPPORTUNITY: Adventureland is hiring for the summer! See the poster outside Secondary Guidance Counselor Cindy Kostek's office for application information.
The Program for Women in Science and Engineering has been sponsoring the Taking the Road Less Traveled career exploration conferences for girls in Grades 6-12 each year since 1987. The organization currently offers six conferences per year (three in April and three in October). The conference format includes career exploration workshops led by women working in science, engineering, and other technical fields; tours of ISU labs and facilities; and special sessions for parents and educators. For more information see their website.
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Booster Club News
| Check out the new Spring spirit wear for golf, soccer, and track and field on the online spirit wear store.
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Athletics News
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Congratulations to freshman Jake Lowe for placing 3rd at the West Central Valley Bench Press Competition on March 7, 2013 by bench pressing 210 pounds.
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For Our Grandparents
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A grandmother was in the bathroom, putting on her makeup, under the watchful eyes of her young granddaughter, as she'd done many times before. After she applied her lipstick and started to leave, the little one said, "But Grandma, you forgot to kiss the toilet paper good-bye!" I will probably never put lipstick on again without thinking about kissing the toilet paper good-bye.
My young grandson called the other day to wish me a Happy Birthday. He asked me how old I was, and I told him, "80." My grandson was quiet for a moment, and then he asked, "Did you start at 1?"
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Notes from Chapel and Cross Trainers
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I was very fortunate to be on the organizing committee and to actually attend the 365 Dad Seminar at Lutheran Church of Hope on Saturday, March 2, 2013. Carey Casey, Executive Director of the National Center for Fathering in Kansas City, was the keynote speaker. He delivered a very memorable message to the 300 men in attendance. If you would like to read my summary of the 365 Dad Seminar activities, please click here. For a pdf of Carey Casey's handout, please click here.
The Des Moines Christian junior high and high school students and teachers were blessed to hear a message by honored and honorable DMC Graduate Nathan Hiatt ('07) during Secondary Chapel on Wednesday, March 13, 2013. If you would like to read my summary of Nathan's excellent challenges and encouragements to the DMC students, "Come and Die," please click here.
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Upcoming Chapel Services
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Elementary Chapel on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 -
Multi-Purpose Room - 8:45-9:10 a.m. - Presented by the 6th grade classes of Brittany Angell, Kathy Wagner, and Roxanne Wilson
Secondary Chapel on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 -
Gymnasium - 11:14 a.m. until 12:01 p.m. - To Be Determined
You are welcome to attend chapel at any time!
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Upcoming Community Events & News
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Bacon Fest
Culinary Competition -- Bacon Feed -- Silent Auction Fundraiser
Saturday, March 16, 2013, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Willow Creek Church, 720 SW 64th Avenue, WDM
$5 per person, if bringing a bacon dish
$10 per person, if not
Kids are free!
All proceeds benefit the Ross Charlton Family's work in Central Asia. Ross, an airplane pilot, recently spoke in Secondary Chapel.
Right to Life Spring Book Sale
April 16-20
Jordan Park Camp Building, 2251 Fuller Road, WDM
More information
Book Sale Coordinator, Rhonda Phillips (515) 205-8024
2013 Iowa Prayer Breakfast Student Seminar
(Intended audience is junior high school and older)
Featuring Dr. Andy Bannister, speaking on the question, "What Makes Jesus Different?"
Also featuring Dr. Bannister and Dr. Ravi Zacharias in a Q&A with students
Wednesday, March 27, 2013, 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Drake University, Sheslow Auditorium, 2507 University Avenue, DM
The event is free, but you must RSVP.
A school family has a 2-bedroom house with appliances and full basement for rent. Great location in Adel - close to the bike trail - 5 blocks from the store - and 5 blocks from AnyTime Fitness. $700 a month includes appliances. No smoking and no pets. If you hear of anyone who is interested, please have them call Jerry at (515) 249-1641.
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The next ePulse will be published on Thursday, March 28, 2013.
Closing Quote:
"The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love your enemies... probably because generally they are the same people."
(G.K. Chesterton, 1874-1935, English writer and philosopher)
Closing Punchline:
"I did a theatrical performance about puns. . .
. . .It was a play on words."
Sincerely,
 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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