M
THE
CRUSADER
c h r o n i c l e
A PUBLICATION OF WHITINSVILLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Capital Campaign
Update
Page 6
“ a s f o r E v e ryo n e w h o . . .
From the Headmaster
Imagine people intensely combing the freshly receding beaches of Rockport, MA, on an early brisk fall morning. Most New Englanders from the
coastal area would quickly recognize these people as sea glass sleuths. Sea
glass offers the results of years of slowly progressing change in small pieces of
glass, dishes, and pottery that finally get washed up on the shore. From
shards of broken glass these objects slowly lose their sharp edges and acquire
a frosty opaque nature that renders them valuable to those in search. There is
a North American Sea Glass Association organized to “educate the collector,
consumer and retailer as to the properties and benefits of genuine, pure, natural beach sea glass and maintain the value of genuine beach sea glass…,”
among other things. It is a contagious activity and I have tangible proof.
You are holding in your hand or most likely viewing in digital fashion
the result of years of change: What was once the Crusader Quarterly has now become
The Crusader Chronicle. From 1990 to 2013 the Crusader Quarterly offered articles and pictures
of life and ideas ruminating in the life of Whitinsville Christian School.
Harold Plantinga, former Development Coordinator, meticulously gathered and bound a collection of all those issues – just under 100 of them
offering a valuable and detailed history of Whitinsville Christian
School.
And now a significant change in this 24-year informative vehicle. First,
the publication will now be twice a year rather than four times a year,
which prompts another change in name. Second, the Quarterly will
now become The Chronicle. Although Chronicle echoes the name of two books of the Bible, our
choice of the name Chronicle is likely related more to alliteration than any kind of theological
namesake. The Crusader Chronicle not only has an easy flow to the words, it also accurately reflects what we anticipate the periodical to be. It is a narrative account of what is happening at
Whitinsville Christian School at a particular time. Chronicle has its origins in the Greek word
khronikos, of time. Third, there is a change in the Colonel of The Crusader Chronicle, while it used
to be Harold Plantinga, but it is now Steve Heintz, Director of Advancement. And finally, there is a
change in the format of The Crusader Chronicle. It will be longer with more information and will
also be published with an attractiveness that will be difficult to dispose of easily, we hope. It is our
hope that you will want to keep it around, on a coffee table or book shelf, to be read and, hopefully,
reread.
Like so much of our culture, change has become a normal routine here at Whitinsville Christian
We are, however,
anchored securely in our commitment to providing a Christian education “for effective service to the Lord.” Our uniqueness will continue to shine as a
School as you will note in this premiere issue of The Crusader Chronicle.
beacon of light for developing students of character prepared to be agents of change in the 21st
Century. Yes, more sought after than those sea glass gems shaped by the waves of change.
Lance B. Engbers
Our Mission
The mission of Whitinsville Christian School is to foster the academic, spiritual, personal, social, and physical
development of students from Christian families for effective service to the Lord.
2
Board of Trustees
Mr. Russell VanderBaan ‘65, President
Human Resource Executive, Siemens Corporation
Mr. Don Stahl, Vice President
Contract/Program Mgr., ATK Space Systems
Mrs. Barbara VanderKlay ’52, Secretary
Retired
Mr. Carl Rubin, Treasurer
CFO, Web Industries, Inc.
Mrs. Tanya Anema
TTE Labs
Mrs. Denise Brookhouse ‘87
COO, Koopman Lumber
Mr. Doug Nydam ‘73
Owner, Nydam Landscaping
Mrs. Kathy Perregaux
Director of Technology, Meditech
Mr. Steve Smith
Retired MA State Police/Owner, Shepherd Custom
Woodworking
Mr. Lance B. Engbers
Headmaster, Whitinsville Christian School
New Trustees 2013-14
Mr. Michael Bangma ‘03
Michael Bangma, with his wife Annika, is a member of
Pleasant Street CRC. He is an alumni of WCS (’03) and
received a BS in Accountancy from Calvin
College in 2007. Mike is currently employed
by Straight Ahead Ministries in Worcester,
MA. Mike has been a member of the Fairwoods Christian Recreation Society Board
for three years, serving two years as board
president. He has also served on Pleasant
Street CRC’s Finance Committee.
Dr. Barbara Rugo-Focht, MD
Barbara Rugo-Focht, with her husband Glenn, has been
attending and is applying for membership at
New England Chapel. Barbara and Glenn
have 4 children – Joey, Rachel and Willy are
WCS alumni, and Eli started Kindergarten
this fall. Barbara received a BA from Connecticut College (studying also at Oxford
University) and earned her MD from The
Medical College of Pennsylvania. She is in private practice
in Grafton at Kids on the Common Pediatrics.
Mr. Peter Carlson
Peter Carlson, with his wife Deby, is a member of New
England Chapel. Peter and Deby are the parents of two WCS alumni - Nikolas (‘02) and
Elizabeth (‘05). Peter graduated from West
Bridgewater (MA) High School and received
his BS in Chemistry from UMass Amherst.
He is employed at Entegris in Franklin, MA.
Peter has served on the WCS Board of Trustees in the past and also spent several years as a JV Boys’
Basketball Coach.
The Crusader Chronicle
The Crusader Chronicle is published twice a year for families, alumni, and friends of the school. For a change of
address, to add someone to the mailing list, or to let us
know of alumni updates, please email Director of Advancement Steve Heintz at [email protected].
www.whitinsvillechristian.org
facebook.com/whitinsvillechristian
An aerial view of the campus
photo by Greg VandenAkker (‘84).
twitter.com/@whitinsvillecs
Printing By New England Office Supply
Editors: Barb VanderKlay and Deborah Thomas
. . . Comes to me . . .
3
From The Board President
Russell VanderBaan, ‘65
In September, I had the opportunity in my day job to host seven Human Resource colleagues from throughout the United States. They spent a week with
me reviewing and auditing our Human Resource policies and procedures, and
evaluating the overall effectiveness of our company operations, particularly
focusing on the utilization of our human capital assets. The visit was comprehensive, the dialogue and feedback were engaging, and the outside perspective
was very valuable. After months of preparation for the visit, the week of scrutiny during the visit, and after the Final Report of the visiting team was
received, the work to respond has just begun.
And so it is with the Strategic Planning effort at Whitinsville Christian
School. John Miersma, former WCS Trustee, led a dedicated group of volunteers to address and
identify strategic issues for WCS, engaging many members of the broader WCS community, including
administration, faculty, board members, society members, parents, and supporters of the school. Many
topics were covered. Many issues were raised. Many suggestions were offered. The focus was our current condition, our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats; our values, our mission, and our
Reformed heritage. The comprehensive report raised questions, and in many cases offered strategies
and tactics to deal with the suggestions. The topics included: Should we revise our Mission Statement?
Do we need an expanded Vision Statement? How do we improve our communication to the greater
WCS community? Is the governance of the school appropriate for today? Are we meeting the emotional and behavioral needs of WCS students? How do we make the Board of Trustees more effective? Is
our admissions process and policy appropriate? What is our strategy for growth? And so on.
The current task of the Trustees is to evaluate the data, the suggestions, and the final report from the
Strategic Planning Committee to determine how to proceed. What are our priorities? What should we
tackle first? That process is going on at the Trustee level and in the various standing committees. Some
suggestions will be straight forward, non controversial, and easy to implement. Other suggestions may
be deemed not relevant at this time. Other suggestions may require significant discussion and input
from our stakeholders, with whom we plan to engage selectively as appropriate.
At the same time, the School marches on and continues on a day-to-day
basis providing an exceptional value to our students and their parents. We
are blessed to have a strong and committed staff of administrators, staff, and teachers. We also have a
strong core of volunteers. Thank you to our Accreditation Team led by Susan Cooper and Kelly
LaCava, which managed the two-year effort preparing for the Visiting Committee. The team came, dug
deep, and provided an initial positive report. We now await a Final Report from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
(continued next page)
4
Strategic Plan to Propel WCS into the Future
A sincere and much appreciated thank you to our Long Range Campus Planning Committee, chaired by
Dave Ryder and Don Koopman, who led the way and secured an agreement with the Pine Grove Cemetery to acquire 12 acres of land for WCS from Pine Grove (see diagram below). This asset is critical as
we plan for the future of our campus and of WCS.
Through this whole process we
remain committed to stay true to our values, our
mission, and our Reformed heritage. Please continue to pray with us that we will lead
effectively, with wisdom, and a firm commitment to our mission. We do appreciate your prayers, and
your involvement in the life of Whitinsville Christian School. If you have questions about the strategic
planning process, or anything else, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Russell H. VanderBaan,
President, Board of Trustees
Whitinsville Christian School
November 2013
New Land Purchase: Space to Dream
. . . And hears my words . . .
5
Campaign for Student “Wiring”
Our Capital Campaign is aptly named for a construction project – Student Wired for the Future. This was a commitment to transform the ability of our teachers to impact student lives through a 21st century learning space
wired with the latest technological advances. I’m sure we often think about the project itself, and the wonderful space, and the large picture windows that look out over part of our campus. But to dwell more deeply on
the “how” of transforming learning, what we’ve done in this Library Media Center campaign is to equip our
community to build into the lives of our students more capably and more fully – our mission.
Please use the enclosed remittance envelope to make your donation today!
Matching Portion of Campaign
The campaign was established in part with the very generous pledge of $1 million, with the
stipulation that $200,000 would be given immediately and the remaining $800,000 would be
given one calendar quarter at a time, provided we had raised at least that much beforehand.
We have fortunately stayed well ahead of the matching provision, as the graphic shows.
Therefore, each gift you make is doubled, up to the $800,000 limit.
M
A
Pledges Collected to Date—$523,610 or 65%
T
Shortfall—$276,390 or 35%
C
H
Alumni Participation in the Capital
Campaign by Decade (as a percentage of
the total alumni contributions)
1930s&1940s
15%
1950s
18%
1960s
12%
1970s
20%
1980s
12%
1990s
7%
2000s
16%
We have 1,922 alumni in our database. If you
are an alumnus, please be sure we have your correct information on file. You can update your info at http://
www.whitinsvillechristian.org/index.php/alumni.
Page 446
6
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privileges
Founders Level ($1M+)
Benefactors Level ($25-49K)
Partners Level ($10-24K)
Anonymous Donor
Anonymous Donor
Anonymous
Gilbert and Catherine Baker
William and Gladys Bangma
Trustees Level ($100K-$1M) Anthony and Susan Consigli
Maynard & Sadie Kroll Estate
Anonymous Donor
Stephen and Tamara Gorman
Northeast Interior Systems, Inc.
Anonymous Donor
John and Kirstie Miersma
David and Dawn Lefrancois
Sponsors Level ($50-99K)
Morgan Worcester Foundation
Ronald and Ramah Randall
The Sid and Thelma
David and Deborah Thomas
Daniel and Dorothy Salmon
DeYoung Estate
Sponsors
Level ($50-99K)
Cornerstone Christian Academy EF
Russell and Geraldine VanderBaan
Calvin
BettyDeYoung Estate
The Sid
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Thelma
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Family Fund
Robertson
Family Fund
Jeff and Laurie VanderBaan
The
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Warsen
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It takes a village to raise a child (African proverb), and our community to support our school—
While the construction part
of the LMC is complete,
the campaign is still going
on—you can help us pay
down this wonderful
enhancement to student
learning.
. . . And puts them into practice, . .
Page 7
7
Stepping stone preschool
Growing Foundations in Preschool
Anything which grows is always more beautiful to look at than anything which is built--Lin Yu Tang
Building foundations is any preschool’s business!
And it’s true for us. We aren’t the architects (leave
that to God) nor are we the initial ground breakers
(that’s up to parents) but we come and pour love on
the fresh and fertile ground of each child’s heart.
Could there be a better calling?
Last winter, our Early Childhood Learning Collaborative excitedly planned the first raised-bed gardens
at WCS. We honed our curricula to maximize the opportunity to have the children dig in the dirt and
learn about God’s faithfulness to us through his created order. Preschool students planted pumpkin
seeds indoors even before the beds were built, each
seedling tended to as prudently as is
possible by rambunctious four year olds.
When the beds were built, we began the
challenging process of transplanting
seedlings. We nodded in agreement that
it had been wise to plant more seeds
than children as we had difficulties untangling the fragile roots of some of our
plants to safely deliver them to their new
spots of undisturbed growth.
At last, we had one seedling per child with a popsicle
stick ID leaning in the dirt beside it. Now the tending could be done. Our hope was in the faithful water
hose and rain, in the sun to shine on our pumpkins,
and in God’s grace to bless our efforts. We wholeheartedly believed George Bernard Shaw’s perspective:
The best place to find God is in a garden.
You can dig for him there.
However, one early morning, I went to water the garden and noticed that there were no popsicle sticks
standing guard over little seedlings. As I got closer, I
saw that there were no fragile seedlings bent in the
dirt, fighting for their lives. Scattered on the grass
outside of the garden bed were all of our popsicle
sticks, all of our seedlings, trampled and muddy,
withering at their roots’ exposure. This had not been
done by an animal; it was calculated and malicious.
We had been vandalized.
8
We were heartbroken and became stuck in the feeling of helplessness, unable to decide what to do. It
was too late to start over. Our hope was gone.
Until we realized, that our hope is in God; not in our
feeble attempts to salvage something unsalvageable.
We talked with the kids about forgiveness and sin,
about how God is faithful! He can make things grow
in impossible situations! God would make our garden new again! Our seedlings were replaced with
herbs and vegetables that were withering remnants of
a clearance sale. But boy did God redeem them! This
fall, we had a bountiful harvest with the bulbs of
kohlrabi so fat and leaves so huge and poked with
tiny insect bites.
Looking back, we can say that our foundational
knowledge about God’s faithfulness would not have
been so memorable if everything had gone as
planned. Our joy in who God is would not have been
as expansive without the discouragement that preceded it. So we are thankful. That God can use ALL
things for our GOOD—Romans 8:28.
Now I like to think that we are in the business of
GROWING foundations instead of building them.
We grow a foundation of love in the garden of little
ones’ hearts! All we have to do is FEEL God’s presence and LOVE at preschool; all we have to do is
LOOK for Him in ALL situations and he will be
there! Yep, it’s true: when we dig in the dirt, indeed
we find God there.
-Sonia Zeyl
New space accommodates 50 students!
Elementary school: A passion for Learning
Featuring Sarah Bowler’s Grade 2/3 Classroom—Mary Masselink, Elementary Asst. Principal
A casual glance into Mrs. Sarah Bowler’s classroom, a grade 2/3 split, hints at something different at work
inside. This new model classroom has round tables and chairs in place of individual desks and is fully stocked
with every imaginable school and art supply for creative learning. What’s more, computers, iPads, microscopes, and other equipment fill the space with possibilities for learning!
Before Sarah formulated her proposal to set-up a 2nd/3rd grade multi-level classroom where the teacher facilitates and advances active learning, she read and fully researched the concept. “[My purpose is] to develop and
maintain a love of learning that accommodates students’ varied learning styles while still meeting the gradelevel standards/frameworks.” Her rationale for the proposal is predicated on the fact that “every child is
uniquely created by God and we want our children to discover who they are as unique
creations of God.”
Borrowing thoughts from Dan Beerens, another Christian educator, Sarah expressed the
premise on which active learning is promoted: “I believe we are made by God to be
learners and to have a passion for learning. One of the main tasks in the garden for Adam and Eve was learning—caring for and subduing the earth. The separation from God
interrupted this perfect state of learning and the need to work (work as sweat and toil)
entered into Adam and Eve’s reality. Today our work still interrupts our opportunities
for learning. We help students experience Eden and give them a glimpse of heaven
(among other things—a state of uninterrupted learning in my view) when we bring as much true, joy-filled
learning as possible into the lives of those we are entrusted to serve in our schools.”
This 2/3 split is predicated on a great amount of parental involvement and help in the classroom and at
home. Parents are expected to check Sarah’s school website early each school week to read the classroom
newsletter, sign-up for activities, and check out links to classroom instruction. While she incorporates the
instruction of reading, writing, and math into most school days, the children begin their
days with a morning meeting and sharing time, spend 20 minutes a day on creative design,
engage in a cooking class every other week, and go on field trips (both in and outside of
WCS) 16 times a school year. In addition Sarah’s class is paired with a school in Canada
for the Global Read-Aloud of Marty McGuire, reading two chapters a week and using
“Facetime” with that class every other week. Sarah’s students are also pen pals with students in England as well as with a former classmate, Makenna Kitchen, in Papua, New
Guinea.
Student progress in the fundamentals—reading, writing, spelling, math, Bible, and science
or social studies—is tracked through on-line assessments. Sarah provides
mini-lessons on reading skills, writing skills, math concepts, handwriting
instruction, and Bible stories, but often her students learn from one another
or from websites such as Khan Academy, TED Talks, etc. Each week, parents are required to provide their child with three books at their reading
level for a daily reading workshop at school. A monthly STAR assessment
provides Sarah and parents with individual student data on reading
strengths, weaknesses and growth. Likewise, students are pre-tested for
every new math unit; if they score 90% or better, they engage in Khan
Academy math lessons on-line. Children who need more math instruction
work directly with Sarah.
Parents can follow along through electronic portfolios of their child’s scanned work, videos, and pictures of
class time and collaborative activities. While grades are not given, the assessment of grade level skills and objectives is continually monitored and communicated through Evernote. Regular feedback lets parents know if
their child is exceeding, meeting, or approaching expectations.
. . . I will show you . . .
Page 9
9
Middle School—the wonder years
Mary Dykstra—Middle School Principal
WCMS is a place filled with wonder. I am likewise filled with wonder as I work with these students and
observe how much they change in three short years. I am amazed at how they laugh, learn and grow, and
by the incredible work that God is doing in their individual lives.
We pray that our students remain wonder-filled. It is an honor to be part of a school that looks to God
and the wonder of his world as part of our everyday learning. This year, students are working out the
school theme of “Building the House,” and working on implementing the pledge they developed at our
retreat as well as the 8th grade motto, “Be God’s Light and Shine!” They are working in mentor groups
and planning chapels. They’re also learning about prepositions, Proverbs, and properties. Wonder
abounds.
WCMS students are involved in a number of new things. Some are creating the first-ever middle school
newspaper. Others are in a Craft Outreach Club. Others are making videos, playing sports, and using
their artistic skills in and out of school.
This fall, we had our first Fun Night. Students had a great time playing on an inflatable bungee run and
jousting ring. They played Ping-Pong, air hockey, solved riddles and pondered estimation jars. They
watched a movie and listened to music. It was a great time being together and having fun.
As we work together at WCMS, we continue to learn about the world around us and how it works. We
learn about each other and what makes us unique. We learn to work, play and live together during our
hours at school. And together, we continue our discovery of the wonder of God!
“The whole earth is filled with awe at Your wonders…” Psalm 65:8a
WCMS began the year with an all
Retreat begins the year
-student, all-faculty overnight
retreat to Camp Sentinel in Cenheart, soul, strength, and mind building in
ter Tuftonboro, New Hampshire.
new hampshire
The weather was perfect, and the
site was beautiful. Students spent
time at the waterfront frolicking on a giant swing, a floating "log" and raft, swimming, fishing, and riding in
kayaks and canoes. Swimmers had fun jumping on the log and the floating raft. Students and teachers alike
tried to run out to the end of the inflatable log, only to bounce, fall, splash, and generally look hilarious
while having loads of fun.
The giant swing helped students develop patience and trust as they were hoisted up into the trees, then let
go to swing back and forth. Students went in pairs, outfitted with helmets and safety harnesses. While the
initial drop was scary and thrilling, students enjoyed the swinging back and forth as they chatted with their
partner.
Students in the field chose from soccer, basketball, volleyball, hiking and other activities that helped them
move and work together.
After supper, the group took a hike up to the “Ledges,” a beautiful spot where Lake Winnipesaukee was
visible about 45 miles in the distance. We sat in silence, taking in the beauty around us, listening to the trees,
birds, animals, and wind. It was an amazing time to sit, reflect, be still and know God.
After the hike, students were told to create a structure with mini-marshmallows and toothpicks with the
challenge to build the highest one.. Groups of students worked on their structures, thinking and planning
how to make theirs higher than others.
(continued on next page)
10
Suddenly, students started thinking outside of the box. One group
ran to the largest rock and built theirs on the rock. Another group
started a human pyramid and tried to put their structure on top of
the top person. But one group ran to the flag pole, attached their
structure to the rope and ran their structure up the flagpole and
won the event.
This team challenge laid the foundation for our evening talk on
“Building the House.” The camp director talked to the students
about laying a foundation, building on that foundation, and
showed slides of his recent building project--a log cabin for his
family.
We then transitioned into developing a middle school pledge. Students were asked to name the first thing that came to mind as the
most important thing in life, beyond God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Students listed family, friends, respect,
loyalty, honor, giving 100%, doing one’s best, being nice, and treating people as people, to name just a few.
From this list, we organized and began development for a middle school pledge,
splitting up with 6th and 7th grade going to the campfire to make S’mores while
the 8th graders stayed to work on their motto or precept. 8th graders came up
with “Be the Light and Shine” based on Phil.2:14-15. Then they had their time
at the campfire.
The next morning was spent in private, personal devotions. We once again
gathered as Mr. DeWeerd, Mr. Ewers, and Pastor Zeyl led the students in a session about putting our words into action. These three gentlemen started with a
reenactment about Jesus and His Disciples. The main part of the talk was when
Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?” and “Feed my sheep.” The point of this
was to get the students to realize that we all say we love Jesus, but we need the
next step of doing something about that- just like Jesus challenged Peter.
After this presentation, the 8th graders presented their motto, and then we all went to the waterfront for a
time of worship. As we stood by
the still lake, taking in the mountains, hills and peaceful water, we
sang, “Here I am to Worship”,
“God of Wonders”, and “10,000
Reasons”. These songs and the
surroundings pointed to our
amazing Creator and the student’s
time of worship was a rich one.
We closed our time at camp with
a stone ceremony. Students chose
a stone and we discussed how our
tongues are like a spark that can
light a forest on fire. We looked at
James 3 as well as Isaiah. In Isaiah, the angel took a coal and cleansed his lips before he went out to prophesy. As students took their stone, we prayed that our lips would be clean and that our hearts and minds
would be pleasing in God’s sight. Students then went to any teacher of their choosing for a personal prayer
and to put their name on their stone and place it in a container.
After our stone ceremony was finished, we piled into the vans and headed back to WCS. Our time at camp
was full, refreshing and foundational. We look forward to living out the things we learned.
. . . What they are like. . . .
11
WCS High School-falling leaves, changing seasons!
Changing Seasons
--by Chris Vander Baan, High School Principal
The leaves have fallen and the snow can’t be far behind now. It seems just
yesterday we were ushering in spring. Life in high school, too, is a series of
changing seasons. It is a collection of teachers,
naïve freshmen, and cagey seniors all living, working and traveling through a series of transitions.
Our freshmen are learning independence and beginning to understand what “owning my education” means. Sophomores are stretching out their
branches and starting to lay down roots, while juniors are working through the reality that more than half of high school is behind them. Seniors are busy preparing for next fall, praying about college
applications, careers decisions, and readying themselves for leaving the nest
of home, parents, and WCS friendships.
As I reflect on the amazing changes I have seen in
our high school in the past 12 months, I am reminded of God’s faithfulness. We have an amazing staff!
Like the Red Sox, we have synergy and a spirit of commonality that binds us
together. Some of our “old oaks” have retired or moved, but God has replaced
them with well-equipped and excited new teachers. We have a new Library Media Center and growing, changing technologies that make learning fun and one
the cutting edge! Students are now permitted to BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and we have added six new courses to our high school curriculum.
WCHS is an amazing place that continues to reinvent itself and make changes for the right reasons. It is
student-focused and Christ-centered. Our students are being prepared for God’s great world. Anything we can do to better equip them for God’s service is worth investigating!
New High School Courses for 2013-14
AP Music Theory (Mr. Joshua Lawson)
AP Government (Mr. Rocky Van Tol)
AP US History (Mr. Dick Vanden Berg)
Mass Media (Mr. Ryan Stegink)
Graphic Design (Mr. Steve Fortna)
Web Design (Mr. Steve Fortna)
12
Robotics—a program of indelible impact—for life, study,
faith, and career
Sometimes the programs that make the most impact on groups of students are those that are the hardest to
see. Take the case of the WCS Robotics (Club). They meet off campus, out of the way of our watchful eyes,
and in an expansive 2,000+ square foot space in the Whitin Machine Works Mill that most in our community have never seen. Their competitions take place just a couple times each year, but not necessarily near our
campus. Most of the leaders are not faculty or staff from WCS, but volunteers who work full time in other
professions. As a result, most of the meeting times are in the evening, once everyone else has gone home to
family, dinner and homework.
Since 2001, this group has worked with so many of our science and technology-inclined students that it’s
impossible to ignore the profound impact of Robotics. In addition to planning and building some very involved robots, the team’s laboratory is the site of deep and influential mentoring, midnight conversations about commitment and faith, intense tutoring in any subject area, and lasting friendships forged over shared responsibility.
A Robotics mentor since 2001, Board of Trustee member Don Stahl has
seen many Robotics team grads go on to spend college and careers involved
in science and engineering. He can point to our grads who are already impacting their own chosen fields, in pursuits such as Engineering or Information Technology. In a recent visit
to the Robotics space, he pointed out the equipment and materials so
key to the development of the team’s robots. He knew where everything was, no small accomplishment in a space so crowded. He also
knew where everything came from, whether donated from friends of
the program, or purchased with resources that finance the group. On a
deeper level, he was reminiscing about each of the participants that
have been so blessed to have their lives and futures impacted by such a
valuable experience.
Nathan Casey, ‘14, is a Robotics club member who loves to hang out in
the space. He truly understands the impact that belonging to the group has had
on him, stating that he has learned lessons that greatly enhance his classroom
learning. The intensity of deadline-driven projects, and working on them with
others with different skills, and “poking at something with a screwdriver instead
of your finger” are among the incredible life lessons that have come out of Robotics for him. Robotics mentors have also taught him much more than head
knowledge, adding the why’s and how’s of the intricate projects they undertake.
In spite of a hectic schedule that includes Brass Ensemble, Learning Partners
(tutoring), Cross Country, and Student Council Executive Committee, Nathan
feels that Robotics is one of his anchors. It’s been so important to him that his
Senior Capstone Project has him building a robot that will deliver lunchtime
milk to elementary students! He doesn't know exactly where he’ll attend college
next year, but he does know that someday he wants to work in a place at the
cusp of technology. This gifted student will surely realize his dreams.
. . . They are like a man . . .
13
Crusader
Fall 2013 Varsity Girls Soccer
Fall 2013 Varsity Boys Soccer
Fall 2013 Varsity Girls Cross Country
Fall 2013 Varsity Boys Cross Country
Fall 2013 Varsity Volleyball
Fall 2013 Golf Team Members
14
Athletics
Jamison Koeman, ‘15, won the
MSTCA D2 meet, set the course record by a whopping 35 seconds at the
league meet, then won the District
Meet, carrying the boys cross country
team to the States, where they finished 11th.
Abby Epplett, ‘14, was named a Wendy’s
Heisman State Finalist, and paced the Cross
Country team all season long. Read more about
her on page 29.
The Volleyball team qualified
for the state tournament as the
#5 seed, won their first round
game and finished another great
season at 16-6.
Zach Bergeron ‘18, broke our
middle school cross country
course record multiple times
and finished 12th (of 236 finishers) at the State MS race.
Fall Athletic Honors
Varsity Girls Soccer
Tori Caswell 2nd Team All Conference
Varsity Boys Soccer
Daniel Belanger 2nd Team All Conference
Schuyler Van Tol 2nd Team All Conference
Varsity Girls Cross Country
Abby Epplett 1st Team All Conference, Wendy’s Heisman State Finalist
Angie Epplett 1st Team All Conference
Sarah Poquette 2nd Team All Conference
Varsity Boys Cross Country
Jamison Koeman 1st Team All Conference, DVC Runner of the Year,
All District, All State
CJ Paine 1st Team All Conference
Nathan Brookhouse 2nd Team All Conference
Varsity Volleyball
Morgan Vander Baan 1st Team All Conference, DVC Player of the Year
Mackenzie Thibodeau 1st Team All Conference
Abby Cook 1st Team All Conference
. . . Building a house . . .
15
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to rem
Art Program Sees Christ as the Master
Designer of our World . . .
And, therefore, our instructors inspire and guide each student to develop their God-given creative ability to express
feelings, communicate ideas, tell stories, think , and record
visually what they see. The outcome is some pretty amazing exhibits for the rest of us to experience. For teachers
Linda Barnes (elementary), Mary Dykstra (6th grade), and
Tahnee Kuder (7th-12th grades), these are the gifts that
each student possesses, and yet, without the environment
in which to confidently learn and experiment these concepts, these gifts would lie dormant and unexpressed.
“ The Christian is the one whose imagination should fly beyond the stars.” - Francis A. Schaeffer, Art & the Bible
16
main an artist once he grows up.” ― Pablo Picasso
Goals for 7-12 Art Program (Tahnee Kuder)
1. To appreciate God as the ultimate creator
2. To draw out and challenge the creativity of the students
3. To encourage an appreciation of the arts
4. To help the students become more independent learners
. . . And Uses Progressive Methods to
Build Talents, Understanding, and
Lives
A strength in many programs is the advantage of a PK—
12th grade school where instructors can communicate
with each other regarding the progression of teaching in
subject areas. It’s no different in art, and our teachers
complement each other as they provide an incredible experience over the student’s school experience.
. . . Who dug down deep, . . .
17
Our fine and performing arts add creative life
WCS Strings: A Legacy of Christian Service
Since 1981, Whitinsville Christian School has taught hundreds of young student violinists, violists,
and cellists through its strings program. The program encompasses students from preschool-age
through grade 12. Instruction is based on the Suzuki method of instruction, which focuses heavily
on parent participation. Our strings instructors take the basics of Suzuki instruction and infuse it
with excellent Christian pedagogy.
The heart and mission of WCS Strings is to glorify God through music by working together to develop Christian
character and gifts to joyfully serve others.
In every phase of a child’s participation, pre-Twinkles through Chamber Orchestra, praising God
and serving him is the focus. Among the ways we serve others through our musical gifts is by
performing throughout the community, including an annual performance of Handel’s Messiah.
Ensembles perform at senior centers, nursing homes, and other locations. In addition, select orchestras have embarked on tours that combine music and service over the past 25 years, including
one to post-Katrina Mississippi and Louisiana; another to the Appalachians of West Virginia; one
to serve the homeless in the District of Colombia; and, most recently, in April 2013 to northern
New Jersey where students assisted with cleanup with Hurricane Sandy and collaborated with
schools, churches and community groups in keeping with the school’s theme, “One Body.”
We are grateful to God for the strings teachers, students, parents
and friends who have given their time and talents to His glory.
“For the Lord is good, and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:5)
18
Perfect for a school—get smart!
As The Crusader Chronicle was going to
print, the WCHS drama club entertained
audiences with it’s production of “Get
Smart” based on the television show from
the late 1960s. In the stage version, Maxwell Smart, (Richie Hubbard), along with
agent 99, (Elena Wassenar) work to tackle
the many schemes of KAOS. The chief of
CONTROL (Billy Fredericks) keeps faith
in the lucky Maxwell Smart. While protecting the Inthermo, Princess Ingrid, and
uncovering the many plans of Mr. Big
(Dan Gandek), agents 86 and 99 provide
entertainment and laughs for audiences of
all ages. Professor Dante (Peter Kaminski) and Professor Zalinka (Nicole
Clouiter), as well as college students, the
Wong Sisters, the Blondes and other secret agents, this cast keeps the story moving and the audience engaged with their
antics and surprises.
The cast of Get
Smart, directed by
Mary Dykstra, poses
for a photo during a
rehearsal break
. . . And laid the foundation . . .
19
School Hosts Visiting Committee for
Reaccreditation Process
A Seal of Approval—Sue Cooper
Many seals of approval are encountered in daily life, but when it comes to
one for schools and colleges, a regional accreditation is the preferred Gold
Seal. Schools with this seal of approval will have diplomas recognized and
honored. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
is the regional accreditation agency for New England.
WCS first received NEASC accreditation in 1993 and must apply for reaccreditation every 10 years. An in-depth review and self-study must be completed. Our last reaccreditation was granted in 2003, and this year we hope another.
The journey toward 2013 reaccreditation started in October 2011 when we launched another in-depth
review of our school and programs under the leadership of Susan Cooper and Kelly LaCava. During
the intervening months, program committees and standards committees consisting of WCS faculty,
staff, board members, and many others, investigated, evaluated and reflected upon the 15 standards of
review. The final report, a 60-page self study, was submitted in September 2013.
The reaccreditation process culminated in October 2013 with a review by the nine-member NEASC
Visiting Committee, which spent three days with us on campus. Now we await the NEASC’s decision
in November.
The process itself has been of great benefit to the school. Issues that needed to be addressed were revealed, and areas for improvement were discovered. Even before the Visiting Committee arrived in
October, changes were already in process. We are very optimistic that reaccreditation will be granted,
and we will wear the NEASC Seal of Approval with pride!
Note: As The Crusader Chronicle was going to press, we learned that NEASC had indeed
granted WCS continued accreditation!
Visiting team
members came
from all over New
England to assess
WCS
20
Alumni efforts gaining momentum . . .
Calling All WCS Alumni
Alumni, we’d like to hear from you! Whether you live nearby or far away, we are hoping to create a more
exciting network for past WCS students. We have created a council to develop alumni programs to bring
alums back to campus and see the advances the school has made since the day you walked across the
graduation stage. The alumni council is planning events for the 2013-14 academic year in conjunction
with scheduled WCS events. Please look for announcements regarding alumni receptions before drama
productions, athletic events and concerts. A future WCS Homecoming event is being planning; a day
centered on athletic competitions and entertainment for alumni and their families. Additional details will
be provided when the date is announced.
The council is looking for volunteers willing to take part in planning these upcoming get-togethers. The
council meets once every two months to discuss upcoming events and seek new ways to reach more
alumni. If this is an opportunity that interests you, please reach out to Blake Cunningham (’03) at [email protected].
Thanks to the efforts of Blake Cunningham, our relationships with alumni are being expanded and enhanced.
Class of 1982-Tim and Susan (Bakker) Frelier celebrated their 25th anniversary on October 22, 2013. They live in Rochester, NY and
have three children.
Alex Vander Baan ‘05, is living and
working in New York City, where he’s
employed by Morgan Stanley as an
Equities Trader. He’s engaged to Ali
Mersereau, with plans for a Sept, ‘14
wedding.
Alums, we need to hear from you! In order to expand this section, let us know what you’ve
been up to since graduation. Go to www.whitinsvillechristian.org /alumni.
Kendra Woudenberg ‘10, Kathryn Rubin ‘13, and
McKenzie Dion ‘11, suit up for the very successful Gordon College Women’s soccer program.
The Wynja family has an annual reunion, and this past July
it was right here in Whitinsville. The siblings stopped by
for a visit to WCS, and posed for a photo. From left to
right, they are Madeline Buma ‘56, Trina Van Dyke ‘53,
Milton Wynja ‘48, Dick Wynja ‘47, and Wilma Paauw ‘45.
. . . On rock. . . .
21
The endowment fund provides
critical sustainability
THE WCS ENDOWMENT FUND: SECURING THE FUTURE FOR GENERATIONS TO
COME
The WCS Endowment Fund was formed to help provide financial stability and continue the tradition of Whitinsville Christian’s rich heritage to future generations. Gifts over the years have come
from alumni and friends of WCS.
Each year 5% of the Funds Value is given directly to offset the tuition needs and thereby reduces
the tuition of all children attending WCS.
Gifts to the Endowment Fund are permanently held in trust and invested with a long-term goal
that provides growth to the fund which can exceed the annual gift to WCS.
The graph provides a visual picture of this outstanding accomplishment.
Many of you recognize that WCS has been instrumental in helping you get to where you are today.
You may now be in a position to return the favor to someone else. Your gift to the Endowment
Fund will give new generations of students the opportunities to succeed also.
The Endowment Fund seeks gifts of securities, life insurance, bequests, memorials, gifts of remembrance, and cash. Please consider how
you could provide a gift to the WCS Endowment Fund using one or more of these sources.
Remember all gifts will help sustain Christian education now and into the future!
Remittance envelope provided inside publication
. . . When a flood came . . .
22
endowment fund provides
Events in ourThe
community
critical sustainability
Calendar of Events
THE WCS ENDOWMENT FUND: SECURING THE FUTURE FOR GENERATIONS TO
December 18
Christmas Concert
COME
23-January
3 Christmas
Vacation
The WCS Endowment Fund was formed to help December
provide financial
stability
and continue
the tradition of Whitinsville Christian’s rich heritage to future
generations.
Gifts
over
the
years
have
come
January 11
Admissions Tours
from alumni and friends of WCS.
January 16
Author Gary Schmidt Visit
March 17-21
Spring Break
April 18-21
Choir Trip to DC
Each year 5% of the Funds Value is given directlyMarch
to offset
the tuition
needs and thereby reduces
7
All School Suzuki Concert
the tuition of all children attending WCS.
Gifts to the Endowment Fund are permanently held in trust and invested with a long-term goal
April 12
Spring Auction
that provides growth to the fund which can exceed
the annual giftWCS
to WCS.
May 1-3
WCS Drama Production
The graph provides a visual picture of this outstanding accomplishment.
May 8-9
Elementary Musical
May 15
High School Fine Arts
May 21
Orchestra Concert
May 22
Middle School Showcase
June 9
WCS Annual Golf Outing
June 10
8th Grade Advancement
June 13
Graduation
Many of you recognize that WCS has been instrumental in helping you get to where you are today.
You may now be in a position to return the favor to someone else. Your gift to the Endowment
Fund will give new generations of students the opportunities to succeed also.
The Endowment Fund seeks gifts of securities, life insurance, bequests, memorials, gifts of remembrance, and cash. Please consider how
you could provide a gift to the WCS Endowment Fund using one or more of these sources.
Remember all gifts will help sustain Christian education now and into the future!
Remittance envelope provided inside publication
. . . Because it was well built” . . .
. . . When a flood came . . .
23
Thanks to the many people who supported whitinsville christian school in 2013!
*Thelma DeYoung Scholarship
In Memory of Thelma DeYoung
Dennis and Cindy DeYoung
*Endowment
In Honor of
Helen Dykstra’s 80th Birthday
Stuart and Wilma Gjeltema
Matthew Dykstra’s 98th Birthday
Harold and Barbara Plantinga
Tom Koopman’s 80th Birthday
Sidney and Arlene Koopman
Glen and Helena Bloem
Gordon and Barbara DeJong
Edward and Dorothy Jaasma
Arthur and Anne Jackson
Bob and Kathy VanderBaan
In Memory of Evelyn Haringa
Carol Haringa
Glenn and Beverly Haringa
Grace Nyenhuis
MaryAnn Wiersma
Wilma Jorritsma
Cindy Baker
Janice Krull
Cindy Baker
Eleanor Baker
Mabel Baker
Will and Helen Banning
Gregory and Janette Bombardier
Henrietta Hoogendyk
Tom and Joan Koopman
James and Cindy Krull
William and Shirley LaFleur
Cheryl Marsden
Eleanor VanHouten
Earl and Karen Wielsma
Sidney and Joanne Miedema
Ed and Sharon Bakker
Bert and Sadie Schotanus
Raymond and Joyce Schotanus
Sander Silvis
Herm and Eva Baker
Len and Kathy Bangma
Will and Helen Banning
Adrian and Joyce Buteyn
Edward and Nellie DeVries
Matthew Dykstra
Lance and RoseAnn Engbers
Ken and Lisa Foppema
Fred and Joyce Ginsberg
Rudolph and Audrey Julian
Don and Doris Koopman
Tom and Joan Koopman
Paul and Karen Matthieu
Leona Oppewal
Harold and Barbara Plantinga
Brian and Pam Uracius
Sandra Vander Baan
Earl and Karen Wielsma
MaryAnn Wiersma
Gary and Joanne Wood
24
Hermina Wiegers
Earl and Karen Wielsma
Harold Youngsma
Herm and Eva Baker
Cindy Baker
Ed and Sharon Bakker
Len and Kathy Bangma
Mike and Annika Bangma
Lance and RoseAnn Engbers
Ken and Lisa Foppema
Tom and Joan Koopman
Bernard and Helen Manning
Evelyn Oosterman
Carol Schaver
MaryAnn Wiersma
Arthur and Sandy Wynja
John and Nancy Youngsma
Gladys Youngsma
*General
Fairlawn Christian Reformed
Church
Pleasant Street Christian Reformed
Church
Ted and Marie Haringa
Arthur Hoogendyk
Henrietta Hoogendyk
Arthur and Anne Jackson
Grace Nyenhuis
Bernie and Minnie Wiersma
Gladys Youngsma
In Memory of
Keith Wiersma
Bernie and Minnie Wiersma
*Library Capital Campaign
Anonymous
Brady Bajema
Gladys Bajema
Herm and Eva Baker
John and Marilyn Baker
Mike and Annika Bangma
Bob and Beth Banning
Anita Banning
Scott and Linda Barnes
Michael and Alison Bell
Tom and Jeanne Berkowitz
Dale and June Bloem
Randy and Anna Bloem
Bert and Julie Bowden
Samuel and Sarah Bowler
Glenn and Donna Broghamer
Brett and Iona Buma
David and Jane Buteyn
Thomas Buurma
John and Lois Casey
Tom and Susan Cooper
Michael and Kathleen Craig
Scott and Shelly Cullen
Blake and Jenny Cunningham
Gordon and Beverly De Young
Gordon and Barbara DeJong
Amy DeVries
Kyle and Erica Engbers
Lance and RoseAnn Engbers
Brad and Karen Exoo
Warren and Peggy Fairbanks
Thomas and Catherine Gandek
Don and Judy Godeke
Bill and Wendy Groot
James and Lori Gulinello
Wesley and Shirley Haan
Phil and Kerrie Harper
Herman and Doris Heintz
Stephen and Pamela Heintz
Bill and Linda Herrmann
Ross and Amanda Irwin
Michael and Rachel Jen
Bryan and Erika Johnson
Peter and Roann Karns
Don and Doris Koopman
Priscilla Koopman
James Kramer
Len and Pam Krygsman
Nate and Tahnee Kuder
Marvin and Betty Kuipers
William and Shirley LaFleur
John and Donna Lapierre
Carolyn Lavallee
Edward Lee
Dave and Dawn Lefrancois
Gordon and Bernice Malcolm
Charles and Shirley Mannheim
Larry and Mary Masselink
Cleon and Susan McClure
John and Kirstie Miersma
Ruth Mikolajczak
Doug and Linda Nydam
Gladys Nydam
Ronald and Cheryl Nydam
Grace Nyenhuis
Donald and Lynn Pepper
John and Kathleen Pierro
Joan Plumb
Steven and Jeanne Praetsch
Hennie and Joan Pretorius
Vin and Donna Rodger
Dave and Betsy Ryder
Dan and Dottie Salmon
Brett and Tiffany Simas
Scott and Lisa Spear
John and Liane Sullivan
Gerald and Rachel Tanham
Tom and Holly Tetreault
Alex and Sarah Thomas
Brian and Thalia Towle
Christopher and Joell Tulley
Jerry Van Tol and Anne Banning
Cary and Kris VandenAkker
Duane and Paula VandenAkker
Irene VandenAkker
Richard and Dorothy VandenBerg
Chris and Laurie Vander Baan
Alex Vander Baan
Jeff and Laurie VanderBaan
Russ and Gerry VanderBaan
Barbara VanderKlay
Wanda VanderZee
James and Lois Veenstra
John and Sandra Vriesema
Keith Whittaker and Scott Weisner
Calvin and Claudia Wiegers
Jud and Lysle Wiley
Kenneth and Sandra Young
Milton and Betsy Youngsma
Katiegrace Youngsma
Corporate Finance Group
Matching Gifts
Morgan-Worcester Inc.
PPG Industries Foundation
Waters Corporation
*Library Capital Campaign
In Honor of
Alan Jongsma’s 55 Years of
Preaching
Grace Nyenhuis
Elizabeth Henrikson
Ronald and Carolyn Henrikson
Harold and Barbara Plantinga
Richard and Sharie Small
Will Banning’s 80th Birthday
Dave and Dawn Lefrancois
Tom Koopman’s 80th Birthday
Don and Doris Koopman
Ted and Earlene Koopman
Harold and Barbara Plantinga
Earl and Karen Wielsma
Aletta Kuipers’99th Birthday
Tom and Joan Koopman
Larry Masselink’s Retirement
Dave and Dawn Lefrancois
John Poat
Earl and Karen Wielsma
Judy Whittaker’s Retirement
Earl and Karen Wielsma
In Memory of
Philip Adams
George and Deb Nydam
Ethel Baker
Lloyd and Audrey Veldhof
Brian Blaue
Harold and Judy Blaue
Sidney and Thelma DeYoung
Richard and Anna Stiers
Arthur Ebbeling
Carol Ebbeling
Henry Gjeltema
Peter and Anne Gjeltema
Ina Groot
Don and Judy Godeke
Richard Hubbard
Mary Ellen Hubbard
Wilma Jorritsma
Dave and Dawn Lefrancois
Janice Krull
Don and Judy Godeke
Dave and Dawn Lefrancois
John Martin, Jr
Alan and Jayne Mossberg
Robert and JoAnn DeMayo
Barbara Foster
Dave and Dawn Lefrancois
Alan and Jayne Mossberg
Dmitriy and Jessica Strunkin
Richard and Elizabeth Tienhaara
Thanks to the many people who supported whitinsville christian school in 2013!
T ED WHITINSVILLE
CHRISTIAN
SCHOOL
IN 2013!
Chris and Laurie Vander Baan
Gayle Evenhuis
Thomas Oosterman
2
Don and Judy Godeke
Sandra Vander Baan
Martha Fiester
Ted and Marie Haringa
David
JeanneMILLION
Vander Klay FOR
DonTHE
and Doris
Koopman
and Pamela
MILLION OF THE TOTAL COST
OFand$4.9
LIBRARY
MEDIAStephen
CENTER
SSHeintz
Bob and Kathy VanderBaan
Tom and Joan Koopman
Michael and Rachel Jen
Jean Scott
William and Shirley LaFleur
Barbara VanderKlay
Al and Marie Siepert
Nate and Tahnee Kuder
Wanda VanderZee
Betty Tolsma
Peter and Janet Lanser
Eleanor VanHouten
Dorothy Udes
Matthew and Katherine Layman
Sander Silvis
Oscar and Henny Kuipers
Samuel and Gail Visser
Dean and Edna Wiegers
Edward Lee
Dave and Dawn Lefrancois
Carl and Glenda Welmers
Ralph and Nancy Wiegers
Dave and Dawn Lefrancois
Brian and Thalia Towle
Earl and Karen Wielsma
Georgia Wiegers
Paul and Susan Lukowski
MaryAnn Wiersma
MaryAnn Wiersma
Larry and Mary Masselink
John and Jodie Woudenberg
John and Kirstie Miersma
Stanley VanderKlay
Gladys Bajema
Glenda & Carl Welmers' Small
Joseph Oppewall
*Jim & Jean Nydam Scholarship
Cindy Baker
Group
Chris and Julie Paine
Jim and Jean Nydam
Herm and Eva Baker
Glenro Inc
Wayne and Shelly Pitts
Alex Vander Baan
James Baker
Harbro Sales & Service Inc
David and Sarah Plantinga
th
John and Marilyn Baker
Kathryn M Huston Mission Circle
Mark and Lisa Quercio
In Honor of Jim & Jean’s 65
Ed and Sharon Bakker
Ladies Workout Express
Kevin and Kemper Richardson
Anniversary
Will and Helen Banning
Miedema Family Living Trust
Peter and Charlotte Schotanus
Charles and Tena Feddema
Dale and June Bloem
Theona Taylor
Dave and Dawn Lefrancois
Glen and Helena Bloem
Dave and Deb Thomas
Harry Vriesema
Brenda Boelens
Don and Judy Godeke
John and Karina Thompson
*Robotics
Theodore and Agnes Boelens
Brian and Thalia Towle
Beatrice Olson
Alan and Beth Bol
Jerry Van Tol and Anne Banning
David and Lori Olson
Hermina Wiegers
Kathleen Buurma
Don and Judy Godeke
Greg and Rebecca VandenAkker
Don and Ellen Stahl
Dick and Alice Cook
Dave and Dawn Lefrancois
Chris and Laurie Vander Baan
Mick and Shari Cronin
Phil and Fran Wassenar
Matching Gifts
Matthew and Julie Davison
Paul and Carolyn Welsh
ATK Matching Gift Program
Cornelius Wiersma
Gordon and Beverly De Young
Thelma Agerholm
Tom and Tracey Wickstrom
Intel Foundation
Ed and Nellie DeVries
Louis and Suzanne Wiersma
Henry and Beverly Ebbeling
Jud and Lysle Wiley
Harold Youngsma
*Strings
Carol Ebbeling
Don and Judy Godeke
Deb Wood
Robert and Patricia Giles
David and Robin Eckbold
Oscar and Henny Kuipers
John and Carolyn Steen
Lance and RoseAnn Engbers
Dave and Dawn Lefrancois
*Loyalty Gifts
Dennis and Christine Epplett
Brian and Thalia Towle
In Honor Of
*Tuition Assistance
Albert and Nancy Faber
Erik and Julie Henrikson
Paula Crawford
Don and Judy Godeke
Gerald and Rachel Tanham
Jeannette Youngsma
Sandra Haagsma
Alvin and Mary Youngsma
In Memory of Brian Blaue
Campbell and Tara Haire
Jim and Bev Bylund
In Memory Of
Ted and Marie Haringa
Stuart Youngsma
Lynn Bajema
Brandon and Ginette Hehn
Richard and Sharie Small
Harry and Ethel Wiersma
*Arthur Wiersma Scholarship
Paul and Lori Johnson
MaryAnn Wiersma
James Jorritsma
Harriet Heemstra
*Maureen Gorman Memorial
Cynthia Kamp
Babe Nydam
Scholarship
Acorns to Oaks Loyalty Fund
Beverly Keeler
Raymond Gorman
Morgan-Worcester Inc.
Don and Doris Koopman
NSTAR Foundation
Sidney and Joanne Miedema
Sidney and Arlene Koopman
Timothy and Susan Frelier
PPG Industries Foundation
*New Gym/Multi-Purpose
Tom and Joan Koopman
Verizon Foundation
Complex
Oscar and Henny Kuipers
Richard and Lorraine Katte
Edith Oosterman
Christine Lane
John and Helen Baker
Jeff and Laura Andrews
Keith and Lori VanderWeele
John and Mary Last
Bob and Beth Banning
Dave and Dawn Lefrancois
Will and Helen Banning
Sander Silvis
In Memory of
Kathleen Lowery
Albert and Nancy Faber
Thomas and Patricia Barry
Lynn Bajema
Charles and Shirley Mannheim
Don and Judy Godeke
Michael and Alison Bell
Roger Bajema
James and Robin Martin
Dale and June Bloem
Rian and Deb Harpie
Raymond and Julia Martin
Randy and Anna Bloem
Karyn Taylor
Babe Nydam
Theona Taylor
Samuel and Sarah Bowler
George VandenAkker
Jim and Jean Nydam
Glenn and Donna Broghamer
Joanne VandenAkker
Grace Nyenhuis
Joel and Linda Brown
Robert Taylor
Leona Oppewal
Theona Taylor
Kathleen Buurma
Roland Vander Baan
Harold and Barbara Plantinga
Peter and Debra Carlson
Chris and Laurie Vander Baan
Robert and Harriet Platt
Cesareo and Elizabeth Contreras
Sandra Vander Baan
Harold Youngsma
Alfred and Jeannette Smith
Albert and Nancy Faber
Michael and Kathleen Craig
Elaine Spaak
David and Kimberly Wynja
Scott and Shelly Cullen
Stanley VanderKlay
William and Mary Spalton
Albert and Nancy Faber
Arthur and Anne Jackson
Marcia Titcomb
Martha Fiester
* WCS Funds
Brian and Thalia Towle
Kristin Garlett
Hermina Wiegers
Bill and Trina Van Dyke
Barbara Davis
Kenneth and Donna Van Iddekinge
John and Anita De Korte
Cary and Kris VandenAkker
Richard and Dorothy VandenBerg
Evelyn Oosterman
. . . The torrent struck . . .
25
Enrollment – Get the word out!
Private school marketing and enrollment expert Rick Newberry says
Word of Mouth Marketing, or WOM, is essential in promoting school
growth and sustainability. In the WCS Advancement area, this has been
a growing effort to which we have committed a lot of thought and
time. One of the products Rick suggested works very well in WOM
efforts is an infographic, which he outlined in his August 19, 2013
blog post.
Our Advancement team began creating its own infographic, which can
be seen on the following page. As mentioned, the infographic is used
to highlight many of the aspects of WCS that are attractive to potential
students and their families. A number of parents have taken many infographic sheets into their communities, and we encourage additional
members of the WCS community to do the same, increasing our WOM
reach.
We’ve also created a new Admissions Brochure to market
WCS to prospective feeder schools, churches, families and
more—please pick up our material if you feel there’s a family
who would benefit.
Ads have
appeared in
digital media,
above.
26
hure
ons broc
i
s
is
m
d
a
Our new
a half dozen high school fairs, held at area K-8 schools, as well as spoken with the 8 graders of an additional K-8 school during one of their class periods. Our new admissions brochure, and our infographic,
have been excellent tools in introducing WCS to potential students and their families, since they highlights us in clear and concise ways. Additional high school fairs and other off campus events are being
evaluated and placed on the marketing calendar for potential attendance in the fall of 2014.
We’re also making a concerted effort to reach further into surrounding communities and schools, and
Do you Admissions
know a student
or Dennis
a family
that
may bea candidates
findfairs.
outDennis
morehas
about
us? If so,
Coordinator
Epplett
is attending
number of highto
school
attended
th
a
half
dozen
high
school
fairs,
held
at
area
K-8
schools,
as
well
as
spoken
with
the
8
graders
of
an
addiplease be in touch with Dennis Epplett at [email protected] to discuss ways to reach them
tional K-8 school during one of their classmost
periods.
Our new admissions brochure, and our infographic,
effectively.
have been excellent tools in introducing WCS to potential students and their families, since they highlights us in clear and concise ways. Additional high school fairs and other off campus events are being
evaluated and placed on the marketing calendar for potential attendance in the fall of 2014.
Do you know a student or a family that may be candidates to find out more about us? If so,
please be in touch with Dennis Epplett at [email protected] to discuss ways to reach them
most effectively.
This marketing piece, called
an infographic, is used to
highlight many
of the
This marketing piece, called
aspects ofan
WCS
that are
infographic,
is used to
many of the
importanthighlight
to potential
aspects of WCS that are
students and
their families.
important to potential
students and their families.
. . . That house . . .
. . . That house . . .
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The WCS Loyalty Fund
Acorns to oaks, within one school
To attend WCS, and to reach full potential, many students sometime need a little help just to get here. That’s the primary responsibility of our Loyalty Fund. The gifts that you give each year to the
fund are applied to tuition assistance. Each year, nearly 100 students receive tuition assistance, with the average award reaching
$1200.
“The things I love about WCS are the personal touches, relationships,
and involvement for parents and for students. The open communication with teachers, administration, and even playground helpers
keeps me feeling connected to my children and the experience
they're having at school. This makes for an important feeling of partnership with the school.”
A current WCS parent
Please help us reach this year’s goal of
$150,000, and continue building into the
lives of so many students.
Your gift will truly impact a life!
(A remittance envelope is provided for
your convenience)
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Just a few of our students . . .
Each is special and amazing, and gifted by God in unique ways. On this page, we introduce you to just a few who have great profiles
Photo: Maranto Studios
Dan Gandek does so much with his life that it’s almost impossible to detail it effectively. This senior from Bolton, the youngest of three siblings, is somewhat of a
Renaissance Man. He is the #1 golfer on our combined WCS/Northbridge team in
the fall, played Captain Von Trapp in our production of the Sound of Music last
spring, sings in our choir, is a member of the Boy Scouts of America and hopes to
earn his Eagle Scout designation this school year. He was also recently named a
National Merit Commended Student, and in his spare time enjoys singing, playing
the piano and the guitar, writing music, and golf and skiing. As a student, he enjoys
Math (especially Calculus) and Music Composition the most, and hopes to attend the
University of Hartford to study Acoustical Engineering and Music. After college, he
would love to become a Navy SEAL, or run his own music studio, and write and
record his own music in his spare time! Doesn’t he know that there are only 24
hours in a day?
One of our new students this year is 6th grader Haley Scalabrin, who recently
moved with her mom and dad from Kansas. She really enjoys Art and History in
school, and her favorite is Bible class. She says that she feels that God really listens
to her, and that she enjoys studying the history of the Bible as well. Outside school ,
she loves the Boston pro sports teams, and is involved in dance. A dancer for ten
years, she shares her gift with people in nursing homes and with underprivileged
children. She has contributed so much in her brief time here, with her special smile
and her wonderful nature. Someday she would love to find a cure for cancer.
Thanks for coming to WCS, Haley!
Drew Quercio has a smile
that lights up a room, and the
8th grader is also viewed as a
serious leader amongst his
peers. He’s the younger
brother of 12th grader Emma
and 9th grader Libby, and
lives in Douglas. In the
classroom, his favorite subjects are science
and art, and Drew credits his teachers, coaches and family for impacting him, and providing the majority of instruction that has made
him such a great young man. He’s heavily
involved in soccer and track and field at
WCS, and loves to ski in his free time. One
of his favorite aspects of school is the welcoming and friendly environment of WCS.
He enjoys travel, and has visited Hawaii and
Alaska.
Senior Abby Epplett is a determined young lady, whether focused
on homework, practicing the violin
or her outstanding running talents,
or reading, writing, or drawing. The
senior from Uxbridge is well-known
in Central MA for cross country and
track and field, having earned Telegram Super Team honors each of
the past two years. However, she’s just as committed
to music, taking part in the WCS orchestra and numerous outside music gigs. She was also recommended and auditioned for All State Orchestra. She
loves English and Art at WCS, and is looking at Amherst, Wesleyan , Connecticut College, Stonehill, or
Wheaton (MA) to study English and Creative Writing, and to use her track and field talents. Her secret
ambition is to write a great American novel. She’s
just determined enough to do it, we think!
. . . But could not shake it . . .
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25. It’s the first thing, the last thing, and everything in between--I love our students!
They are the best, from the little, energy packed, inquisitive three-year-old’s to the maturing
young men and women in high school. I am especially partial to the Senior Capstone students
who have a passion for what they are doing and are willing to be risk takers.
29. I like that WCS is inviting to alumni and welcomes them back onto staff/faculty.
62. I love the Apple Pie Sale...the pies are sooo good!
53. I like all the chances you have to play sports here.
26. Opportunities to participate in diverse activities. For example, my son came in here in
7th grade and was able to play on the JV soccer team. He may not have had that opportunity
elsewhere. My daughter was able to play volleyball at the HS level even though she is not the
most adept athlete.
30. The Aftercare program - because you can go outside
54. We have an awesome playground!
28. amazing soccer field, track and tennis courts
27. Students can get extra help through SAS
35. Wonderful, Nice teachers
56. We have a really nice principal.
36. Big gym
57. I like that we get to pray and worship God at WCS.
58. We have fun activities here...I can’t wait for the science fair when I’m in
6th grade! I also heard you get to dissect frogs then too!
43. Strings tours
59. I like that we recycle at WCS because it is good for the earth.
6. Learning to love reading and being rewarded through programs like Pizza and Paperbacks and A.R.
7. We have teachers that care about their students. They put time and effort into each one of us.
49. The incredible apple pie assembly
51. We have the best specials classes here.
40. Field Day!
70. That we have wonderful teachers
who love us.
31. Large playground
9. God-centered education that incorporates sports, music, and family involvement. I always felt safe and I knew the teachers cared about their students. I
now have the 4th generation at WCS.
10. Kris Woldman VandenAkker’s love for her students and extraordinary leadership
skills demonstrated by her teaching and coaching is a definite highlight of WCS.
8. It was my home away from home for 13 years!
50. WCS has nice teachers and students
11. God and how we can teach our children about our Savior.
Since 1928, Whitinsville Christian School has been offering
an incredible brand of Christian education in the Blackstone
Valley. In recognition of our 85th year of existence, we asked
many members of the WCS community what they liked about
our school. Here’s what they said:
63. We get to do fun things like study bugs.
1.The faculty love the students
32. Friendly people
78. That even I can understand math the way the teachers teach it.
79. That I can come back anytime I want and feel as though I never left (without the
homework).
12. Love everything about the school, the teachers, staff, and the loving way they care for our
children!
80. That some of my very best friends are ones I made in high school.
13. Apple PIES!!!
81. That my kids get to experience the same great school that I did.
14. How Godly lessons are interwoven with Church,
School, and Home.
16. I had a friend recently state that “children drink up the world with their eyes.” I felt
good when dropping off my children at the door of WCS. They would be safe, and their
eyes would drink in good role models and the Spirit of Christ in and through their education.
17. It gave me a good strong foundation of ethics, morals, and beliefs
that carry through today.
52. I love the food!! (hot lunch)
83. Seeing how the school continues to grow
84. That as an alum, I can now relate to the faculty as peers
85. The Wednesday salad buffet!
71. That I can worship God here.
73. That we have super specials like art and music.
74. That we learn about God and the Bible.
39. We have all our special classes - Art, Music, PE, Library
23. I LOVE THAT MY SON WHO STRUGGLES IN SCHOOL SAID,” I CAN
PARTICIPATE IN CLASS MOM - THE KIDS WON’T MAKE FUN OF ME!”
PRAISE GOD HE HAS A PLACE TO BELONG!
24. An awesome salad bar
18. Mrs. Wiley’s first grade class Mother’s Day Tea. I still have my tissue paper flowers in a vase in my
dining room.
75. That we have lots of fun in gym.
2. The intersection of our faith within the loving context of school and woven
together by the family.
66. One of the many Christian School blessings is connecting with the
wonderful Christian families (community) from various churches but all
united in Jesus Christ Our Lord and Saviour.
19. The partnership with teachers. It’s very reassuring to feel you’re working as a
team to achieve what is best for your child.
20. If I’m allowed to have a second favorite – Dawn Lefrancois
68. That we learn about Jesus and God.
69. That we have a wonderful library where we can read funny books.
55. I like that we get to read the Bible at school.
82. Seeing the entire school community turn out for drama productions
or athletic events.
72. That we are safe and can learned lots of fun things.
21. WCS’s Education Causes Its Graduates To Laugh When They Are In
College And Assigned A Three Page Paper Due In A Week And Everyone
Else Around Them Is Moaning About How Horrible And Impossible It Is
..
22. THE FACT THAT THE PRESENCE AND KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST THAT
PERMEATES THE AIR AT wcs IS PALPABLE.
30
3. The Drama department and all of its
performances
77. That we have a wonderful group of teachers and staff that loves Jesus and
give all they have to this school and the children that come here.
64. It is easy to make friends at WCS.
15. Josh Lawson. ‘nuf said.
41. Our principal is amazing!
76. That we have friends that love us.
4. Awesome librarians especially in high school
37. Sports Program
38. Bad words aren’t spoken
46. The ‘top’ thing I like about WCS is the sense community within the body of WCS. No
matter how long or short of a time your child has been at WCS, you always feel like you
‘belong’. There are so many ways to connect w/ other families & build lasting relationships.
34. Fun games to play
33. It’s a Christian school.
47. Marine Biology summer course
48. The Fun Run in the spring
42. XC trips to Thetford, VT
44. Choir tours
45. High expectations
60. We have a garden in our playground that we got to plant things in.
61. I like the chapels we have here.
5. Feeling the fall roll in and knowing pie season is upon us
67. One of the things I have most loved about WCS is the high school principal! Not only is he an excellent principal with integrity and a great sense of
humor, he is also a Godly, mentoring, valued friend!
65. I want to say how much I like the Guidance Department at WCS. I had heard that
the college application process was extremely stressful and was not looking forward to it
with my oldest son. However the Guidance Department offers several workshops to help
parents with the process and Beth Allen was always available to answer questions and give
advice. She, and the whole department, really made the process manageable and my son is
really happy with his choice.
Events in our community
Calendar of Events
December 18
Christmas Concert
December 23-January 3 Christmas Vacation
January 11
Admissions Tours
January 16
Author Gary Schmidt Visit
March 7
All School Suzuki Concert
March 17-21
Spring Break
April 12
WCS Spring Auction
April 18-21
Choir Trip to DC
May 1-3
WCS Drama Production
May 8-9
Elementary Musical
May 15
High School Fine Arts
May 21
Orchestra Concert
May 22
Middle School Showcase
June 9
WCS Annual Golf Outing
June 10
8th Grade Advancement
June 13
Graduation
. . . Because it was well built” . . .
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THE CRUSADER
c h r o n i c l e
HERE
Whitinsville Christian School
279 Linwood Ave.
Whitinsville, MA 01588
Phone: 508.234.8211
FAX: 508.234.0624
www.whitinsvillechristian.org
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2013-14 WCS
WCS Loyalty
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