Parent Communicator
MR. RICHARD NOORMAN, PRINCIPAL
December,
2009
Dear Parents,
The thoughts and prayers of all of us at CCHS go out to the Bev Kuiper, Tom, and Suzy and the rest of the Kuiper family in the loss of their husband and father, Hib Kuiper. It is always difficult to see those close to us hurt so deeply. We are thankful for the in-dwelling Spirit of our faithful God who directs and leads His people, young and old, to be able to bring words of comfort to those who are hurting. It is amazing to observe the gifts that God has given these young saints to be able to minister to the needs of their friends and classmates. We should all be so very thankful that we have a place where all of our young people can gather everyday to be a part of the communion of saints. What a blessing to have a place where they are not only instructed from a Christian perspective, but where they experience in a real way so many other aspects of the Christian life. We find that our school is a place where they are supported through hard times by those who love God and each other. Surely this is a blessing that we must thank God for daily!
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” II Corinthians 9:8
CHOICES AND TIME:Choosing classes for many students can be very a difficult process. There are classes required for college preparatory students, classes that are recommended for students interested in various fields of study, classes that are required for all students, and classes that students would really like to take because they enjoy them. It often becomes difficult finding enough slots to fit everything in. Elective classes and classes like Band, Choir, and Art are often the ones that are most greatly affected. It is becoming more and more difficult to be able to take 3 years of Band or 3 years of Choir and almost impossible to take 3 years of Band and Choir. One of the things that students should consider more in their decision making is whether or not to include a study hall in the class schedule. In years past it was almost a given that every student would have a study hall. But for many students this may not be the best use of time during the day or the best use of the resources available during their high school years. Consider the relative value of these options: Fifty minutes of time to do school work or fifty minutes of contributing to the work of a Band or Choir or taking a class that they would really like. Band or Choir or Art is not something that could be normally done outside of school. Homework is something that can usually be done outside of school. In most cases it is a matter of exchanging time. It is a trade of fifty minutes of time during school for Band or Choir for fifty minutes of time between 3 p.m. and whenever the day ends to do homework. We have students who are already choosing this option and it seems to be working for them. There are those who really need a scheduled study hall to use the resources at school or be able to work with a teacher. However, for many students it would be good to consider the option of adding Band or Choir as a 7th class when discussing next year’s schedule.
COUNSELOR MEETINGS—Mr. Haveman is in the process of meeting with our 10th and 11th grade students. Two main things are taking place in these meetings. First, there is the review of test results. We have received the results of the PSAT tests taken by many of our Junior students and the PLAN test results of our sophomore students. Mr. Haveman will be reviewing these with the students as he meets with them over the next few weeks. In addition to reviewing the results of the PSAT and PLAN tests, if they took them, and talking about future plans, he is getting their course requests for next year’s scheduling. Following this meeting the students are asked to take home the course selection sheet for parents to review and discuss with the student. We then would like it returned with your signature. Please feel free to call Mr. Haveman with any questions that you might have. An added note about scheduling is that any student thinking of making a change to their second semester classes should see Mr. Haveman or me before the Christmas break.
fINANCIAL AID MEETING AND FAFSA—Once the college applications are in the next thing to consider is beginning of the financial aid process. For parents this involves the FAFSA. This Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the second step (after the college application) for anyone hoping to receive financial aid for college. Mr. Huber has made arrangements once again for a representative from the Calvin College Financial Aid office to come to CCHS to review all of the aspects of college financial aid. This meeting will be very helpful to parents of seniors who are going to college but it would also help parents of Juniors and Sophomores who will be facing this sooner than they think. This meeting will be held at CCHS on Thursday, January 7, 2009, at 7:00 p.m.
MME AND ACT TEST PREPARATION—In the past couple of years we have given the Michigan Merit Exam to our students so that they could qualify for the Michigan “Promise” Scholarship. As you know, that scholarship has been a political hot potato during the state budget process for the last two years. As of right now, this scholarship does not exist. However, part of the Michigan Merit Exam, which is free, is the ACT test which is a required college entrance exam. We believe that it is still worthwhile to give our students this exam because of the free and convenient ACT testing, the qualification for a Career Readiness Certificate, and experience of taking tests such as these. On March 9-11 all of our 11th grade students will be taking the ACT test along with other tests that make up the Michigan Merit Exam. I will be encouraging the students to take some time to prepare themselves for this experience. Our web site contains some very good resources for students to become more acquainted with the test, learn what is expected of them, and actually take practice tests. For students planning to attend college, financial aid is always a concern and ACT scores are a large part of the equation. Much can be done in advance to put the student in a position to increase the amount of financial aid and scholarships. Preparing for the upcoming ACT test is one of the most important things that they can do. It should be emphasized that it is good to be concerned about this now rather than a week before the test. (This is a good thing to do if the kids get bored on a snow day or over the Christmas break.) More information about the testing will be coming later, but work can be started now to become acquainted with the ACT.
CAREER READINESS CERTIFICATE—Three of the tests that our current senior students took last year as part of the Michigan Merit were ACT WorkKeys tests. Taking these tests has qualified our students to receive a Career Readiness Certificate from the ACT Corporation. Below is information taken from the ACT website that explains this program.
The National Career Readiness Certificate verifies to employers anywhere in the United States that an individual has essential core employability skills in Reading, Math, and Locating Information. ACT has researched over 16,000 occupations, and these three skills are highly important to the majority of jobs in the workplace. The Certificate is an easily understood and nationally valued credential that certifies the attainment of these workplace skills. Applicants with a National Career Readiness Certificate provide solid insight into their foundational skills in the core areas of Reading for Information, Applied Mathematics, and Locating Information.
We will be giving the students the results of these tests and a summary of what the scores mean for them along with information about how to obtain a certificate if that is desired. More information is available from the ACT website at www.act.org/workkeys/.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT—The Band and Choir will present their annual Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 20, at Grandville High School Auditorium at 8:15 p.m. This event is always a very enjoyable way to share with our students the joy of the coming of our Lord, Immanuel.
BASKETBALL SEASON—We used to call it the winter sports season but with the season switch it is now just basketball season. The games for both boys and girls have begun. The athletes are working hard and are excited about being involved in high school sports. We expect that our students, as athletes or fans, will exhibit good sportsmanship at the games. Anything that you can do at home to support us in this effort is appreciated. We hope that many of you will be able to come out and support the teams. Schedules are available at school and can also be found on our web site under the Athletics link. Season passes can be purchased at school from Mr. Van Bemmel in the Athletic office or at the door at any home game.
STUDENT COUNCIL—The Student Council is once again sponsoring a Gift Certificate Drive to assist those with needs. Donations of cash or gift cards for groceries, gas, or clothing can be sent to school in care of Miss Jennifer Knott. They have set an aggressive goal of raising $2500 for this project this year. One of the signs in the hall reminds the students that this can be accomplished if every student can contribute $10. This is a good way to have a discussion with our kids about how we use the resources that God gives to us.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STUDENTS—Congratulations to Senior Nick Talsma who was named Student of the Month in the Diesel and Equipment Program at Kent Career Technical Center. Kirsten Gustafson and Alicia Bos were named to the River Valley All-Conference Volleyball team. For the Soccer team Senior Andrew Veldman, and Junior Nick Schimmel were named to the River Valley All-Conference team and Andrew was named 3rd team All-State and Nick as Honorable Mention. In Cross Country Seniors Renae Koole and Zach Start both qualified for the Division 4 State Cross country meet. Zach finished 38 out of 230 runners and Renae was number 50 out of 230.
CHARGER GEAR—For those of you interested in purchasing Charger Gear clothing for yourself or for gift giving, there are several ways that you can do this. You can also see everything that is available and also place orders through our school web site under the “Athletics” link. It is also possible to contact Jennifer Lubbers, the Charger Gear coordinator for the Boosters Club, by phone at 669-0917.
CONGRESSMAN VISIT—On Monday November 16, Congressman and candidate for Governor Peter Hoekstra, came to school to speak to the Government classes. After speaking very briefly about his political career and his decision to run for Governor he spent about 45 minutes answering questions from the students. He fielded questions regarding the economy, the health plan, national security, the Michigan Promise Scholarship and the State budget, term limits and other topics. The students were well prepared and asked good questions. Rep. Hoekstra was very open and accommodating to our students and appreciative of the work that we do in our Christian school.
NEW WEBSITE—The address is the same (www.covenantchristianhs.org) but the look of our new website is different. Mrs. Ria Faber and Mitchel Haan (Class of 2008) have spent some time utilizing some new web design software that was donated to redesign our website. The new structure is easier to navigate and find the things that you might be looking for. We have expanded the athletic page with links to sites that show statistics and rosters. We have also created a “Development” page to provide information on the future expansion of the school. This includes building plans, curriculum changes, information about how to give, and correspondence from the Board. The new design also gives us many more capabilities to further develop various ideas and include more information. There are still a few things that need some work and we are sure to find a few things that need to be adjusted. We welcome any comments or suggestions that you have that would make this a more useful tool for everyone.
EXAMS—Our first semester exams will be held on January 18-21. This will allow for two full weeks of classes following the Christmas break. As this time approaches, please encourage your student to spend the necessary time preparing themselves for the exams. As we have done in the past our first exam will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday morning, the 18th.
WEATHER AND CLOSINGS—I am writing this Communicator during one of our recent snow days so I thought I should discuss how and what happens in these situations. Our decision to close or not to close school is closely tied to decisions of the local districts in which our families live. These districts have transportation departments that are in tune with the conditions found on the roads in their districts and will generally make good decisions. This decision will often involve a 5:30 am drive around Jenison by the principal and calls to our other school principals to get their thoughts. It seems that there are times when everyone is overwhelmed by the sensationalism of the media but for the most part school closings are made with good information and based on the safety of the students. There are some unique things about our student body that I consider in this decision. First, most of our students arrive at school in a car driven by someone 18 or under. Second, our students come from a very large geographical radius and can experience a wide variety of weather. (On the Friday, Dec. 4 snow day, Hudsonville had about an inch while Marne had 16 inches.) And third, many of our students live in outlying areas that are more severely affected by the weather.
When we decide to close school, an announcement is sent to the news departments of WOOD TV 8 and Channel 13, and also posted on the GRAIL (Grand Rapids Area Information Line) which supplies the information to all area radio and television stations. The easiest way to check is to go to the “Closings” section of www.woodtv.com or www.wzzm13.com and look for our school or check the TV for the scrolling list.
Please note that for families who live in outlying areas, there may be times when we do not call off school, yet you are not comfortable putting your kids on the road. In such cases we will honor your decision as a parent and excuse the student if you keep them home or send them in a little late.
MME AND ON BEHALF OF STAFF—I want to take this opportunity on behalf of all the teachers and staff to thank you for the thoughts and prayers for us that occur in your home and the support that you give to us. It truly is a blessing for us to be able to do this work with your children. Your cooperation and support also makes it very enjoyable to do. We pray that the Lord will bless your families through this wonderful time as we all celebrate the Incarnation of our Lord. May God be praised through all that we do.
DATES FOR THE CALENDAR
January 18-21 First Semester Exams
January 22 Records Day (No School)
Feb. 1-5 Homecoming Week
March 9-11 MME/ACT tests for 11th grade
March 25 Heritage Christian High School Choir will be here in the afternoon—p.m. Combined Concert @ Grandville H.S.
April 5-9 Spring Break
April 15-16 Concert Choir to Dordt College Festival
April 30 Grandparents Day
May 7 Junior/Senior Banquet
May 20-21 Senior Class Trip
June 11 Graduation at Fair Haven Ministries
In Christ,
Rick Noorman