TCS News
TCSNews
The week of January 21, 2008
A weekly email newsletter from Timothy Christian Schools to keep you informed, involved and invited.
Our Mission: “Serving God and His people, Timothy Christian Schools develops academically prepared Christian disciples who embrace Christ’s call to transform the world.”
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
"Not forgiving is like drinking rat poison and then waiting for the rat to die." - Anne Lamott in “Traveling Mercies”
NEW ON THE TIMOTHY WEBSITE: www.timothychristian.com
-Photos from the Spelling Bees
YELLOW CURBS AND WHITE SIGNS
If you’ve ever been on campus between 2:45 and 3:15 pm at the end of a school day, one of the first observations you’ll notice is the orderly but congested parking pattern between the two buildings where our buses are in line getting ready to load and exit the property. Our ability to get the buses efficiently onto Butterfield Road is very difficult and time consuming when cars are illegally parked on the east side of Prospect facing north between our entrance and the traffic light. If you’re unsure of the problem area it is clearly marked with yellow paint on the curb and signs are clearly posted indicating the “no parking” zone.
If it’s been your pattern to use this area for after school pickup of children, we urge you to wait for students by parking on campus in one of the lots behind or to the east of the high school. We recognize that adequate space at this time of day is difficult, but parking illegally on the public street is not an alternative.
Inattention to this matter not only complicates traffic flow and is illegal, but compromises our good reputation with our neighbors. Let’s set the best example to our students and our community.
THE MEDIA AND OUR STUDENTS
The education committee of the school board has established a sub-committee to evaluate how the school is and should be equipping our students to be discerning regarding the media in our culture. What does it mean to be “in the world but not of the world,” as we absorb culture through media? The question becomes even more important as access to media is multiplied and privatized through the various forms of digital media available to our youth. Stayed tuned for more information as the committee continues its work. Some members of the committee will be attending an event in Chicago this Thursday. Award-winning lecturer, author and filmmaker Jean Kilbourne will be presenting on the topic, Deadly Persuasion: What Advertisers Really Sell Our Kids. More than ever before, our children and teens are under assault by advertisers. Don’t miss this chance to hear an internationally acclaimed author and media critic explore the effects of advertising on the hearts and minds of young people. Kilbourne takes an entertaining, fast-paced and sometimes hilarious approach to a serious issue that affects the way we feel and think about ourselves. If you would be interested in attending this event please contact Clyde Rinsema (rinsema@timothychristian.com) by Tuesday at 3:00 PM for the free registration.
VOICE OF DEMOCRACY SPEECH CONTEST
Congratulations to Dan Denby who took 5th in the Voice of Democracy Speech Contest sponsored by the Illinois 19th District of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Over 26 students from a variety of high schools attended a VFW banquet on Saturday, January 12, where the top eight speech contestants were announced. Congratulations also to Ms. Erin Voss, our American history teacher, who prepares our students for this competition. She was assisted by former history teacher Mr. Larry Slager.
ALL-DISTRICT MUSIC FESTIVAL
Timothy musicians auditioned with hundreds of other students from our region of Illinois for the privilege of participating in the All-District Music Festival. (Dan Ziegler and Becky Visser in Band; Laura Vanderveld and Jon Denny in orchestra; Dan Miller Dan Denby, Olivia Doig, Julie Speulda, Dustin Searer and Heidi McCauley in choir) Dan Denby was chosen to participate in the All State Honors Choir. Congratulations to these students as well as our music teachers Ms. Salvatori and Mr. Schoenbach and Mr. Wolterstorf.
MIDDLE SCHOOL SPELLING BEE RESULTS
Twenty participants took the stage on Thursday, January 17 for this year's Spelling Bee. Mrs. Schemper opened in prayer, the judges were introduced and the spelling began! The students stepped up, one by one, to spell their word. Just one faulty letter and they were eliminated from the competition. After numerous rounds, it was down to four contestants. Three out of the four missed their word that round, crowning 7th grader Kaylie Pries the Champion. The remaining three went several more rounds before 8th grader Luke Washington earned Runner-Up. Kaylie and Luke will go on to represent Timothy in the DuPage County Private School Spelling Bee held here at Timothy on Wednesday, February 6 at 9:15 am.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SPELLING BEE RESCHEDULED
Please note that the Elementary School Spelling Bee has been rescheduled for THIS Wednesday, January 23 at 12:50 in the Huizenga Auditorium.
TIMOTHY CHESS TEAM RESULTS
Timothy chess players were busy at two separate events last Saturday.
The TCS Scholastic Team sent 13 players to the Naperville All-Grade Championships at Spring Brook Elementary School in Naperville, where approximately 150 players competed. Top scorer was Kyle Groters, who earned a 3rd place medal in the 7th grade division for his 3 wins (out of 4 games). 1st-grader Alden DeHaan scored 2 wins in his Chess Team debut!
The TCS High School Team made its inaugural appearance at the Raider Team Championships at Glenbard South High School in Glen Ellyn. Although the team finished 25th (out of 34 eight-player teams), the team impressed many coaches, as we fielded an almost all-freshman lineup. In our individual matches, we scored a convincing victory over Fenton, and lost close matches to Richards, Wheaton-Warrenville South, and Riverside. Freshman John Lustrea was top scorer with 3.5 points out of 4, winning the 3rd Place Medal on Board 4. Steven Barre scored 3 points on Board 1.
WORDMASTERS RESULTS REPORTED
Fourth grader Alex Zebutis recently won highest honors in this year’s WordMasters Challenge—a national language arts competition entered by over 230,000 students annually, which consists of three separate meets held at intervals during the school year.
Alex competed in the difficult Blue Division of the Challenge, held in December. In the entire country only 109 fourth graders earned perfect scores. Other students at the school who also achieved outstanding results in the meet were third grader Robyn Van Staalduinen; fourth grader Raymond Palatine; fifth graders Juliana Stremler, James Alvarez, Daniel Reinke, Jordynne Magnuson-Capatosto, Danielle Kocol and Cassidy Bulthuis; and sixth graders Rebecca Overend and Riley DeHaan. The students were coached in preparation for the Challenge by their teachers. The students will participate in two more meets in the coming months and medals and certificates will be awarded in June to those who achieved and/or improved the most in the course of the year.
HOMECOMING 2008
Timothy will host Wheaton Academy for this year's Homecoming Game on Friday, January 25, 2007. The Sophomore Boys' game begins at 4:30 pm, Girls' Varsity will play at approximately 6 pm and the Boys' Varsity game will follow the presentation of the Homecoming Court. In addition, the Timothy Cheerleaders will dazzle us with their acrobatics and the Poms and their Dads will perform their always entertaining routine. We hope you will join us!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HOMECOMING COURT!
Freshmen: Kari LeGrand, Nathan Ziegler
Sophomores: Amanda Dykema, Lauren Troxel, Jackson Mills, Brad Wieringa,
Juniors: Elizabeth DeGroot, Jacquelyn Iwema, Sabrina Lee, Justin Groenewold, Taylor Slager, Simon Wang
Seniors: Courtney Bobko, Rachel Embry, Lindsay VanderBrug, Candace Wieringa, David Dodgson, Ryan Evenhouse, Aaron Miller, Joel Sytsma,
The Homecoming dance for high school students will take place on Saturday, January 26 at Ashton Place (341 75th St., Willowbrook, IL, 630-789-3337) from 7 to 10 pm. Doors close at 8 pm. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased the week of the dance during lunch.
EVERYBODY COUNTS WEEK IS APPROACHING
The Everybody Counts program is scheduled for the week of February 11th-15th. Everybody Counts is a parent-led curriculum for students in grades K-6. This innovative program is designed to help our elementary school students gain a better understanding of disabling conditions and create a climate in which we all feel at-ease with one another’s differences.
“Everybody Counts” is organized and presented by parent volunteers. The exact time for each classroom will be announced soon. Plan on attending a Parent Information Night on February 4th from 7-8 pm, in the elementary/middle school, and watch for more information about how to become involved.
PARENT EDUCATION NIGHT
The Early Childhood Education Committee at Timothy Christian Schools is hosting a Parent-Education Night on the topic of Sensory Integration Disorder. The ability to process information taken in by our senses is a key factor in children’s development. Speaker, Kathy Hirtzer, an occupational therapist from Elim Christian School will be presenting more information on how to become better observers of children’s senses and how to best help them process information to succeed at home and in the classroom. This event will be held on Tuesday, February 12 beginning at 7:00 in the grade school library.
8TH GRADE VISITATION DAY
8th grade Visitation Day, a day for Timothy 8th graders and 8th graders from other schools to come and visit our high school is scheduled for Tuesday, February 5th from 9:30 a.m. until noon. This exciting day features time for the students to meet in small groups, tours of the high school with “sit-in” times in high school classes, an extra curricular fair, and a free t-shirt and some delicious Aurelio’s pizza. If you know of an 8th grader who is at another school who might consider Timothy for high school, feel free to invite them to this day. For more information, check out www.timothychristian.com/8thgrade.php
OPEN KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Open Kindergarten Registration for the 2008-2009 school year is ongoing. We still have room in our full day and ½ day afternoon classes. Call 630.833.4717 for more information.
KINDERGARTEN INFORMATION NIGHT
Kindergarten Information Night is scheduled for the evening of January 31st beginning at 7:00. Whether you’re already signed up for next year, or if your still considering your Kindergarten options, this night is for you: meet the Kindergarten teachers, discover what the Kindergarten curriculum is all about, and find out exactly what your child’s school day will look like. For more information, call the elementary school office at 630.833.4717
OPEN PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION
Open Preschool Registration for the 2008-2009 school year begins Tuesday, January 29th. The office school doors will open for this day at 9:00 a.m. For more information call the elementary office at 630.833.4717
THE TIMOTHY WISH LIST http://www.timothychristian.com/needs.php
A new item on the list as of today: surplus Frequent Flyer Miles for travel to professional conferences and seminars for teachers and administrators.
THE BIG BEE IS COMING
The Regional Spelling Bee will be held here at Timothy on Wednesday, February 6 at 9:15 am and will include the winners from area schools. Please come join us for this exciting competition and watch these stellar spellers!
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE TIMOTHY AUCTION
Please reserve Saturday, April 19 for the Timothy Auction “This Is My Father’s World.” It will be held at the Hyatt Lodge on the McDonald’s Corporation Campus in Oak Brook. The Auction is a production of Partners in Education.
FUN FAIR COMING! SAVE THE DATE
Mark your calendars now for the TCS Fun Fair which will be held on Saturday, February 23 from 10am-2pm in the junior high gym.
CALLING ALL TECHNOLOGISTS!
Timothy has begun developing a list of technology professionals who would occasionally lend their experience to the school. We are beginning to come across areas where we need someone to troubleshoot an issue or just help out with a small project. If you have experience with Exchange, ISA, IIS or other enterprise level networking products or would be willing to assist on small projects when necessary, please send your name and your expertise to Sue Lubben at stlubben@comcast.net.
MUSIC FESTIVAL COMING TO TIMOTHY
Timothy will host a music festival featuring adjudicators from the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music on January 26th, 2008. The event is for students in grades 7-12 in the categories of voice, strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion. Sign-up forms are available with all 7-12 music teachers.
FACEBOOK.COM PRESENCE CONTINUES TO GROW
As of today, 306 alumni and friends have joined the Facebook group “Timothy Christian High School Alumni,” 30 have joined “Parents and Friends of Timothy Christian Schools,” and 11 have joined “I Work at Timothy Christian Schools.” If you have a Facebook account (it’s easy!) check out these groups and join! Currently, reunion photos from the class of 1982 are posted on the alumni page.
MAINTENANCE MECHANIC POSITION OPEN
Timothy Christian Schools is seeking applicants for the position of Maintenance Mechanic. Ideal candidates should have experience in hvac/r, plumbing, electrical, construction or facilities maintenance, be able to climb ladders and lift at least 70 lbs. Applicants must be highly motivated, self directed and demonstrate high integrity. We offer competitive salary, outstanding work environment and excellent benefits. Please fax resumes to (630)833-9238 or mail to Timothy Christian Schools, 188, W. Butterfield Rd., Elmhurst, Il, 60126, Attn: Dan VanProoyen.
NEW TO YOU HAS RESALE STORE NEWS
Got Homecoming Dresses? If you have a closet full of beautiful dresses from previous dances, consider bringing them to New to You. Maybe you will also find the perfect dress for this year's dance.
We sold a lot of merchandise in December; the store is looking a little empty. Make room for your Christmas presents by bringing your good, old things to New to You. We can especially use furniture, dishes, and jewelry. For more information, call the store at (708) 344-8477.
IMPORTANT NOTES FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL REGISTRAR AND COUNSELING OFFICES
Parents of all Timothy Christian Middle School eighth grade students should mark their calendars for the “Timothy Christian 8th Grade Parent/Student High School Registration Night” on Thursday, February 7, beginning at 7:00PM. Teachers will introduce 9th grade courses to parents and 8th graders, after which students will have a week to register for high school courses. Parents will be asked to select one date for their student to take the high school placement test. The $15.00 test will be administered on three Saturdays from 8:45 until noon on April 19, May 3, and May 10. Society members with students from other schools, as well as students new to the Timothy Society, must complete the application process before registering for high school. If you are interested in having your student (who is not currently enrolled in TCMS) attend Timothy Christian High School, contact Ann Raley at 630-833-7575 Ext. 202.
Parents: If you have a child at another school that you’d like to send to Timothy Christian High School next fall, it is not too early to start the registration process. Please call Ann Raley at (630) 833-7575 X 202 or email her at raley@timothychristian.com to begin the application process.
If you are a junior who registered last December for Excel Edge ACT 36, the ACT prep class to be held at Timothy Christian High School, you will begin class on Wednesday, February 6. The class will be held for eight weeks from 7:00PM to 9:00PM. If you have any questions, call Mrs. David at 630-833-7575 Ext 206.
The ACT assessment will again be offered at Timothy Christian High school on Saturday, April 12 and June 14. Students should register for this college assessment by March 7 for the April 14 testing date and May 9 for the June 9 testing date. Registration packets with information and forms are in the counseling center. However, you are encouraged to register online at www.act.org using VISA or MasterCard. The ACT assessment now has an optional Writing section. Students taking the ACT should check if their possible colleges or universities require the Writing section. The ACT website at act.org has an updated listing of schools that are requiring this additional writing section of the ACT. Students intending to take the writing section must sign up for it and pay an additional fee.
Seniors should continue to complete college applications, allowing the counseling office at least one week to send transcripts and complete any recommendation sections. A transcript request form must be filled out and turned in with all application forms. Seniors who need a teacher recommendation must request it from the teacher at least two weeks prior to the necessary deadline. A stamped addressed envelope must also be supplied to the teacher.
The Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) worksheets are in the counseling center and online. The FAFSA must be filled out by all students who are seeking college or university financial aid through need-based scholarships, grants, and loans. You can download this form off of the internet by going to www.fafsa.ed.gov. The government is encouraging students to file the form over the internet. However, first filling out the worksheet provided on the internet is extremely helpful.
Seniors who are looking for ways to fund their college education can access various computer web sites. All are free search services. The following sites may be helpful: www.fastweb.com, www.wiredscholar.com, www.srnexpress.com, www.scholarships.com, www.freschinfo.com. If you would like to find out whether a military career or term of service is right for you, you may want to look at the “Military Careers and Educational Benefits” page at: www.mapping-your-future.org/paying/military.htm.
A financial aid workshop is being held at the College of DuPage on Thursday, February 21 in Room SRC 2800 at 7PM. Information will be provided regarding financial aid and scholarships. There will also be financial aid specialists to assist you in completing your 2008-2009 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you bring the necessary records. For more information contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at 630-942-2251 or go to www.cod.edu/fin_aid.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
On my way home one day, I stopped to watch a Little League base ball game that was being played in a park near my home. As I sat down behind the bench on the first-base line, I asked one of the boys what the score was. "We're behind 14 to nothing," he answered with a smile.
"Really," I said. "I have to say you don't look very discouraged."
"Discouraged?” the boy asked with a puzzled look on his face... "Why should we be discouraged? We haven't been up to bat yet."
Dave Larsen
Director of Advancement
Editor
Cindy Van Kampen
Webmaster
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