AANNNNOOUUNNCCEERR - Adams Christian School...its sharp beak to teach us that we should make sure that we are having a sharp eye for sin. ~ Lucas Kuiper God Cares for Animals The orca

Adams Protestant Reformed Christian School Page 1

AANNNNOOUUNNCCEERR A d a m s P r o t e s t a n t R e f o r m e d C h r i s t i a n S c h o o l

5539 Byron Center Avenue – Wyoming, Michigan 49519 – (616) 531-0748 – December, 2019 adamschr is t ianschool .org

“and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” Is. 53:12b

Administration & Staff ................................................. 1

Different… But Yet the Same ............................................. 2 Enjoying the Animals of God’s World ................................ 3 2019 Teacher’s Convention ................................................. 4 This is Your Job! ................................................................. 5 Mostly Questions ................................................................. 5

School Board ........................................ 6 When the King Calls ............................................................ 6 Cherishing our Schools ........................................................ 6 Building Committee ............................................................ 7 Instructing Together: A Federation Update ......................... 8

Other News .......................................... 8 The Nitty-Gritty ................................................................... 8 ACS Calendar .................................................................... 10 Notes on the 2020-2021 School Calendar ......................... 11

Just a little trivia!.................................................................12

Administration & Staff A Christmas Paradox

And so, it happens every Christmas season. I ask my children what gifts they want. I tell them Grandpa and

Grandma want to know, too. That is when it happens. I see it on their faces. I hear it in their voices. I feel it

with their movement. They begin thinking about all the things, things, things they want. They are dreaming of

toys, toys, toys. They will soon get, get, get. In that moment, they are earthbound.

And the trouble is I bound them. I demanded they think of their wants. I raised them with a material Christmas

tradition. I provoked them to find happiness in earthly treasures. I expected them to give me a list to suffice

their hearts’ desire.

And I do it every year. I don’t stop. I am afraid my children will be lessened. I am afraid to see them grow up

different. I am afraid to dampen the festive mood.

And to think I do this to celebrate Christ’s birth. It doesn’t fit. “Do you remember Jesus

Christ?” I ask. With toy catalog in hand, eyes floating between me and the page, they look up. Of course, they

remember! They tell me Jesus was born into nothing and gave everything.

And we all will soon forget because we were born into everything and gave nothing.

And so, it happens every Christmas season.

~Rick Mingerink

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Page 2 Adams Protestant Reformed Christian School

Different… But Yet the Same Mrs. Nancy Decker

Kindergarten

n all my years of teaching at Adams Christian, I

have experienced many changes in my life and

the life of our wonderful school, but this year espe-

cially, things at school are different…but yet the

same.

Once again Adams has witnessed a build-

ing project. This construction has added five new

rooms to the existing building. We now have

reached our goal of two classrooms per grade, plus

a room for our IDEA program, and new and im-

proved work areas for janitors and bus drivers. Al-

so, our building now has hallways that allow stu-

dents to take alternate routes to weekly destinations

like the library, gym, and music room.

This latest building project has also included

some minor, but significant changes to the kinder-

garten room. For years, the lowest grade in the

school felt pretty special having its own entrance to

the building, with an overhang affectionately called

“our porch.” However, no longer can the kindergar-

teners learn the name and sound of the short vowel

“e” as heard in the word “exit.” Our exit, and sadly,

our exit sign, has been removed and the five- and

six-year-olds must now enter the school at Door A

along with the other primary grades.

We lost our outside door, but we gained a

new “inside” door. Where? Into the adjoining kin-

dergarten classroom, which leads to another change

this year at Adams Christian. We no longer have

one kindergarten class, but our 42 students have

been divided into two classes of 21, separated by a

thick brick wall. Thankfully, our able-bodied con-

struction workers were able to saw an opening

through the cement blocks for a door, so now we

have easy access for joining the two groups in

morning singing, rhythm band, inside recess, and of

course, teacher communication. Two kindergarten

classes mean two kindergarten teachers which has

given occasion for wonderful sharing. Lots of

plans, ideas, projects, time, handouts, manipula-

tives, toys, books, etc. have passed between this

lovely connecting door.

And finally, the special, adorable, and very

loved Letterbooks have been replaced with a new

reading curriculum. We have had to bid farewell to

sweet Doll, mischievous Tig, kind Ted, fluttering

Flit, and giant Ted. The kindergarten has joined

grades K-3 in learning to read the Open Court way.

It’s been an adjustment, lots of learning as we go,

but there is excitement for our new large classroom

books, pre-made letter, vocabulary, and picture

cards, pre-decodable storybooks, e-presentations,

and our special puppet friend, Larry the Lion.

And yet, in the midst of all this change,

there is a lot that remains the same. The children

have not changed. They still come to kindergarten

as little 5-and 6-year-olds. What they lack in age

and size, they make up for with big anticipation,

great enthusiasm, and very large hearts. They are

still pretty happy with every new lesson, laugh at

teacher’s silly jokes, and are generally very open

and honest with their stories from home. They con-

tinue to require lots of patience, repetition, and

mothering, but the rewards are worth the effort.

Kindergarteners continue to show amazing growth

from September to June academically, socially, and

emotionally. They continue to be a joy to teach.

Also, in the midst of all this change, the goal

of Adams Christian has not wavered in the least.

As we heard from Rev. Engelsma at the Teachers

Convention, the goal of our school is instruction

with a purpose to serve God in all earthly life. As

stated in Proverbs 9:9, “Give instruction to a wise

man and he will get wiser, teach a just man and he

will increase in learning.” Our prayer continues to

be that the students will be wise in their getting of

knowledge so that they “see God in it all” and make

it a matter of the heart as they turn that knowledge

and understanding and apply it to their daily living

before the face of the Lord. What a blessing that

God is pleased to work this all through parents and

teachers who must totally depend on Him.

Finally, our God never changes. The kin-

dergarteners have been listening to Bible stories

about Moses—his birth, his early years with his

godly parents, schooling at the palace, and years as

a shepherd – all preparing him to lead the children

of Israel out of Egypt. The time came for Moses to

be a leader and God spoke to him out of the burning

bush. Moses knew that this was a huge task and he

had questions on his mind. What if he told the Isra-

elites that the God of their fathers sent him and they

asked, “What is His name?” What should Moses

tell them? God made a beautiful answer for Moses.

He said, “I am that I am,” which means that God

never changes. In a world of many changes is a

I

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changeless God—our God. His truth and His cove-

nant faithfulness also never change. Of this we can

be sure, which makes Psalter 425 verse 5 a fitting

ending to this article.

Jehovah’s truth will stand forever,

His covenant-bonds he will not sever;

The word of grace which he commands

To thousand generations stands;

The covenant made in days of old

With Abraham he doth uphold.

Enjoying the Animals of God’s World Miss Joanna Koerner

Second Grade

he second grade science curriculum uses a book

titled Enjoying God’s World. Over the course

of the first semester, we learn about the human

body, the animal world, the plant world, energy and

forces, weather, and the solar system. The chapter

on animals is incredibly engaging for seven- and

eight-year-olds. They can make text-to-world con-

nections very easily with this topic.

“Miss Koerner, one time I got stung by a

bee!”

“I’ve seen the beetle in this picture before!”

“There’s a beaver dam in the pond near my

house.”

Our textbook only goes into specifics with a

very limited number of animals, however. As a

class, we took the time to study some additional an-

imals in more detail with the book An Anthology of

Intriguing Animals. What follows is what we

learned. How Jellyfish are Designed

A jellyfish can be colorful. Their bodies have no brain, heart,

or bones. When prey is in their arms, or tentacles, they pull it

up to the bell, the circular part, where their mouth is hidden. A

Pacific sea nettle’s tentacle can be longer than a boa constric-

tor! God designed jellyfish just how they needed to be.

~ Amelia Van Til

God’s Care for Peafowls

The males of the Indian peafowl are blue and green. Females

are mostly brown. Their back feathers are called “trains.” The

train of the boys, or peacocks, grows up to five feet long! A

peacock’s train is made up of two hundred long feathers. Pea-

cocks are very noisy. They scream “Ah-ahh!” in the middle of

the night. God cares for us like He cares for peafowls.

~ Charlotte Langerak

God Cares for an Ostrich

An ostrich is black. Ostriches’ beaks are hard. They are the

tallest animal that are birds. They can’t fly. God cares for an

ostrich like He cares for us. ~Logan Kuiper

Stay Away from the King Cobra

Cobras are yellow and brown. The king cobra is the world’s

most venomous snake. It is as long as three human adults

stacked on top of each other. One bite can kill twenty people!

What God teaches us about this animal is to stay away from

the king cobra.

~ Quinn Kuiper

God Cares about Marine Iguanas

The Marine iguana looks like a dinosaur. The Marine iguana

looks fierce because of its spiky, sharp claws. The Marine

iguana lives by the sea. God cares for us like He cares for the

Marine iguana.

~ Kinley Flikkema

God is More Powerful than a Crocodile

Crocodiles have sharp teeth. A crocodile looks like a log, and

if you make a mistake, you’ll be dinner. There’s a story that

crocodiles cry when they eat people and then the tears get

squeezed out. Mother crocodiles carry their babies in their

mouths. God is stronger than a crocodile.

~ Carter Lubbers

A Swordfish’s Life

A swordfish is fierce. A swordfish slashes its prey with its

long beak. Adult swordfish don’t have many predators. Hunt-

ers like orcas will try to eat them. God made a swordfish and

its sharp beak to teach us that we should make sure that we are

having a sharp eye for sin.

~ Lucas Kuiper

God Cares for Animals

The orca is mostly black but has big white spots. Orcas are al-

so called “killer whales.” They aren’t really whales. They are

giant black and white dolphins. In aquariums, some orcas

learned to copy humans, saying, “hello” and “goodbye.” God

cares for us like he cares for orcas.

~ Elsie Kuiper

God Cares for Us and Lions

Lions are yellowish brownish. In many books, lions are called

“the king of beasts.” Lionesses are faster than males. They in-

telligently team up to hunt. Sometimes they set up traps to get

food for their young. God cares for us like he cares for the li-

on.

~ Reeve Schipper

A Powerful Tiger

Tigers are the largest powerful cats in the world. The tiger can

sneak through tall trees. Tigers are hunted down in South

Asia. Tigers are very powerful, but God is more powerful.

~ Austin Kuiper

The Wild Dog is Unique

The wild dog is tan with black spots. Another name for the

wild dog is “painted wolf!” They decide it’s time to leave to

hunt if enough of them sneeze! The moms care for many pups

like God cares for them. And He cares for us.

~ Kadence Dykstra

God Made Giraffes

Giraffes have large spots. They measure up to 20 feet up to

their head! Everything about giraffes are huge! Their hearts

are about the size of a dinner plate. God cares for my friend

the giraffe. And God is so mighty.

~ Anna Essenburg

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God Cares about Reindeer

A reindeer is a large, brown and white animal. They make

journeys called “migrations.” Reindeer in America are called

“caribou.” You can hear them clicking when they walk by.

God cares for reindeer.

~ Abbi Overbeek

Caring for Creatures

A rhino is very gray and has two large horns. Rhino means

“nose horn.” There are five species of rhino. These animals

have been hunted almost to extinction. God will always care

for us, like He cares for the rhino.

~ June Schipper

2019 Teacher’s Convention Mr. Mike Feenstra

Fifth Grade

he book of Proverbs is full of wisdom for all

who are interested in Protestant Reformed

Christian education. Rev. J. Engelsma spoke on

this topic as the keynote of the 2019 Protestant Re-

formed Teacher’s Institute Convention in Hull, Io-

wa. Taking his text from Proverbs 9:4, the speaker

reminded the teachers that it is God alone who gives

wisdom. The students must be taught the subjects

of the curriculum, but it is more important that they

apply this knowledge in a godly way. The

knowledge that comes through the head must go to

the heart. Although instructors can’t touch the

heart, God does through the Holy Spirit.

After the keynote each year, we teachers di-

vide out into several sectionals where we hear and

discuss a wide array of topics that pertain to

Protestant Reformed education. The unifying

theme of discussion is often the keynote address.

For example, I attended an enjoyable sectional

about what students and parents view as a good

teacher. Those in attendance discussed several ad-

jectives that describe an educator who makes a good

impression to students. In another sectional, we

teachers discussed the value of podcasts in our

classrooms. In another presentation, the speaker

traced the providential hand of God in the events of

the bombing of Europe during World War II.

This year I spoke on “The Reformed Bap-

tism Form and Christian Education.” In my sec-

tional, I spoke on the baptism prayer at the end of

the form. Specifically, the focus was on the section

where we ask God, “ to govern these baptized chil-

dren by thy Holy Spirit, that they may be piously

and religiously educated, increase and grow up in

the Lord Jesus Christ, that they then may

acknowledge Thy fatherly goodness and mercy,

which Thou hast shown to them and us, and live in

all righteousness, under our only Teacher, King and

High Priest, Jesus Christ; and manfully fight against

and overcome sin, the devil, and his whole domin-

ion, to the end that they may eternally praise and

magnify Thee, and Thy Son Jesus Christ, together

with the Holy Ghost, the one only true God. Amen.”

The purpose of my speech fit well with the

keynote by Rev. Engelsma. In his speech, he en-

couraged us teachers to answer this question: How

do we teach wisdom to the children? The answer of

my sectional was that we teachers must consciously

think according to the lines of the prayer in the bap-

tism form because it gives a detailed list of aims for

our covenant children.

First, we must notice that parents, educators,

and teachers are appointed by God who alone gov-

erns the child. Each of us has a calling given by the

Governor of the child. We are taught by God, and

we merely echo God’s words to the children.

Second, the prayer shows that the child

holds the threefold office of prophet, priest, and

king. As teachers, we are employed by the parents

to instruct the heirs of the covenant so that they

know God’s Fatherly goodness and mercy, and that

they know how to conduct themselves in this world

as prophet, priest, and king. One example that I

gave in my sectional is that the children must learn

to show compassion to fellow students out of the

priestly heart of love. Another example that we

teachers discussed was that God is our Teacher. He

teaches us not only the importance of biblical wis-

dom, but also that we need to know the standards of

writing or arithmetic so that we can live in this

world as a king.

Third, the baptism form exhorts us to teach

the students to manfully fight against sin to the end

that they will eternally praise and magnify God.

This is the ultimate goal and purpose of Protestant

Reformed Christian Education. At this point, the

reason for our existence as schools is shown. We

train them for this life and for life in heaven. In

conclusion, we want the students to glorify God in

everything that they do.

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This is Your Job! Mr. Ryan Kregel

Seventh Grade

as anyone ever said to you something like,

“You have truly found your calling in life”?

What does that even mean? You might say a teach-

er’s calling in life is to teach. A mechanic’s calling

in life is to fix cars. Phrases like that are not wrong,

but they’re not entirely correct. Mark Twain once

said, “Use the right word, not its second cousin.”

There is a better word for what is described above:

vocation.

Let’s rephrase the example of a teacher from

above. The calling of a teacher is to glorify God in

his vocation of teaching. Now do you see the differ-

ence? Our calling in life is to glorify God. Kings

and presidents are called to glorify God. So are

street sweepers and students. One of the things I

bring up with students and pray about with them

from time to time is the fact that their calling is to

glorify God in whatever place he put them. Their

current place or vocation is that of a student. You

might say it’s their job. Sometimes (yes, even at

Adams) students are not entirely content with the

reality that they must come to school every day and

carry out their labors as students.

In order to keep in their minds constantly

that their calling is to glorify God in their vocation

as students, I have the following quotation on the

front wall of my room: “He who in the lowliness of

mind engages in his work, does God’s work, be he

lad or king.” What your children are doing here at

Adams every day is God’s work, and it is just as

important in his eyes as the work of a king. This is a

profound thing to consider, but we know it to be

true.

Considering this, every task a student does

here at school is set before them by God. Those

tasks vary at Adams. They might be kindergarteners

walking with “hips and lips” in a single file to the

gym or first graders on a pirate scavenger hunt

throughout the hallways. The task might be a third

grader watching water boil in the teachers’ lounge

or a sixth grader learning which room he needs to

go to at what time (and day!). More tasks include a

seventh grader creating a map of Paul’s second mis-

sionary journey and eighth graders choosing what

the cover of the yearbook will look like. Even the

seemingly mundane, daily tasks like another

spelling assignment are set before the students by

God. All of these tasks, done in lowliness of mind,

are God’s work. Not only are they God’s work, but

He has a purpose for these tasks. He uses them to

mold and shape his children here at Adams into in-

dividuals, all with different strengths and weakness-

es that contribute to the whole body of the church.

Through this process, he brings glory to himself as

the Master who created and assigned the work.

Thinking about work here at school this way

is encouraging for student and teacher alike. When

students grumble about another math or spelling as-

signment, the teacher might be tempted to give a

short, impatient answer of “It’s your job, so do it!”

Instead, the teacher can take the opportunity to

teach students about vocation. “This spelling as-

signment is the work that God has placed before

you today; what a wonderful opportunity to bring

glory to His name by doing it in lowliness of mind

and cheerfulness of heart.”

Mostly Questions Mrs. Faith Noorman

Choir Director

o you know the difference between a chest

voice and a head voice, or in other words, be-

tween a speaking voice and a singing voice?

There are vital reasons for teaching and

insisting on using a true singing voice: it protects

the voice, it keeps the singer on pitch especially as

the voice changes, it lends itself to greater expres-

sion than simply loud, forceful singing and essen-

tially it is the correct way to sing.

You might interject here, “but I like to

hear those kids sing out!” Yes, children ‘especially

whose voices are so light and pure’ can easily fall

into a kind of adorable blatting that we almost ex-

pect - because we have inadvertently coached them

into it. But if we desire real improvement, true

growth and mastery in sports and mathematics, why

would we not want those same things when engag-

ing in the art of singing? ...especially in a school

which strives to teach the proper way of doing

things.

If it is good to sing God’s praises, is it

good enough to sing incorrectly, especially when

we are capable of more? Since singing is such an

important lifelong skill used by a Christian and is a

valuable and thoroughly enjoyable command of

God to carry out, why would we not also cultivate

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an appetite for a good singing sound instead of what

we perceive as “good”?

We would not be satisfied with a student

holding a bat upside down (even if he did hit the

ball) – would we? Would any of us applaud a child

doing an equation in math incorrectly – and say,

“it’s ok, he is praising God anyhow”?

Is it time to educate ourselves regarding

the pitfalls of lowering every song a few steps down

instead of teaching children how to sing over the

bridge (some call it where the voice breaks) be-

tween upper and lower registers?

Do we say “good enough” because the

children are small… yet as they grow older they

cannot sing on the note in that chest voice and begin

to try to sing an octave lower – years before they

are capable? A sorry result is out-of-tune poor boys

hovering around in a musical basement. What if we

aren’t willing to accept singing in a speaking voice

as good enough anymore? What would happen to

the quality of the tone?

In order for children in our schools and

churches to use their head voices while singing, we

ourselves will need to desire that kind of singing.

We will want to ‘consume’ that type of sound be-

cause we are educated enough to know what it is,

and we desire to implement it because it is best for

our students. In the long term, using the correct

beautiful voice when singing is a sustainable prac-

tice for their well-being. It is simply the right way

of doing it. Do we care enough about that?

School Board

When the King Calls Ed Ophoff, Jr.

Board President

“The man who truly lives is the believer.

Shall I become less active because I am a

Christian? God forbid! Become less indus-

trious, find less opportunities for the mani-

festations of my natural and spiritual ener-

gies? God forbid! If ever a man should be as

a sword too sharp for the scabbard, with an

edge which cannot be tuned, it should be the

Christian; he should be like flames of fire

burning his way. Live while you live! Let

there be no driveling or frittering away of

time. Live so as to demonstrate that you pos-

sess the noblest form of life. Picture the life

of Christ on earth, and that is what the life

of God in us ought to be.” – Charles

Spurgeon on Galatians 2:20

oon the Board will begin the process of nomina-

tion to replace three outgoing members. A ques-

tion must be asked of the men in our Association: as

the Lord moves to put your name into nomination

and the King calls you to serve, what will your re-

sponse be? Will you consider yourself too busy, too

tired, too old, too disinterested? Has your life be-

come so encumbered that you cannot serve in this

small corner of the kingdom? The Board has great

need of men in the tradition of the "Sons of Issa-

char," men who have understanding of the times, to

know what Israel ought to do (1 Chronicles 12:32).

My late father-in-law received a nomination

for eldership well into his seventies. He asked what

I thought of such a nomination. The usual excuses /

reasons to turn down this call came to mind—too

old, too tired, too busy etc., all of which may have

applied. I asked my father-in-law what he intended

to do. He replied that he felt any excuse or reason

he would use to avoid this call from the King, the

Lord might use against him. If he said he was to

tired or too busy etc., the Lord would make him too

tired or too busy, therefore he would accept the

nomination. He is to me an ongoing testimony to

living a principled life with correct priorities.

I ask our men that if you have a desire to

serve, if you have a heart for our school and com-

munity, let a Board member know, so you are not

overlooked when we make nominations. And if the

King calls you to serve in his kingdom, in the ca-

pacity of School Board, how will you answer?

Cherishing our Schools Mr. Tyler Pipe

Treasurer

he unthinkable happened in Daniel 1:1. The

city of God had been taken by the heathen

Babylonians because of their idolatry. Once con-

quered, Nebuchadnezzar allowed people to still live

in their lands as long as they submitted. Nebuchad-

nezzar did this so he could learn more about their

culture to enrich his own kingdom. He then took

the best and brightest from ages 12-20 to teach them

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the ways of the Chaldeans. What a horrible thought

for those parents. God’s children were taken from

the church and their families to a faraway land

where they didn't even know the language. They

were given new worldly Babylonian names to re-

place their Hebrew names. These children were

taught for three years as the elite in Babylon. It was

really the best education that the world had to offer;

however, Babylon is the anti-Christian kingdom in

the Old Testament. They come with smiles and the

pleasures of Babylon so they could capture their

heart and minds. The line between Church and

world is blurred. The Church would then give up

the antithesis.

We all know the story of Daniel and his

friends. We haven’t been conquered by Babylon.

We have freedom of worship and wonderful Chris-

tian schools. What is the point of this article?.......

We received this sermon from Prof Dykstra

on 9/15/19. There were many different lessons from

this sermon but a few really struck me:

Babylon is all around us. Satan is still trying

to take our hearts and minds from Christ just like he

tried to do with Daniel and his three friends. He

does this with TV shows, cellphones, magazines

and music. Babylon is everywhere. He gobbles up

our time with activities so there isn’t time to have

family devotions. The gates are being destroyed! He

distracts us with worldly activities so there just isn’t

enough time for Bible Study that evening. He keeps

us busy all day Saturday, so we are tired and not fo-

cused on the Sabbath. With all this busyness, we

slowly forget what regeneration, sanctification and

simple Bible stories all mean because our time is

spent elsewhere.

The second lesson was ‘do I cherish our

schools.’ To “cherish” is to protect, care for loving-

ly, hold dear, keep in one’s mind. We can’t just say

we love the school. We have to show it with what-

ever means God has blessed us with. Cherish our

schools with your time (Boosters, Mothers Club,

etc..), cherish our schools with God’s money

(church donations, support drive), cherish our

schools with supportive words for our teachers and

administrators (parent/teacher conferences). Above

all else, cherish our schools with your prayers.

As a finance committee, we are happy to re-

port that our school is blessed financially. We see

by the means that God has blessed each family with

that they do cherish our school. Tuition payments

are being received on a regular basis. Please re-

member that tuition is due the first of each month

and that the finance committee regularly counts on

the first or second Monday of each month. We re-

cently sent out the Fall Support Drive letters and

can report that the response has been very good. Be-

tween pledges and receipts, we are currently at

$197,000 of our $310,000 goal. We are slightly be-

hind last year’s amount at this time, but we have

full confidence that our Adams constituents will

provide the necessary funding.

Building Committee Mr. Brent Kuiper

Building Committee Chairman

s I was asked to write an article as Building

Chairman, I struggled with where to begin. We

at Adams have been greatly blessed, through God’s

gracious hand, with a beautiful building and

grounds, in which our children may be instructed in

the word of God, day after continual day and year

after year.

This past year has been extremely busy and

rewarding. In April we began another five-

classroom expansion project. As we close out the

first three months of school it is good to see the pro-

ject completed and things are running smoothly.

There are the usual kinks and wrinkles to iron out,

but school is underway, and the new rooms are in

use.

With the close of another project at Adams,

one cannot help but be extremely thankful for what

we have been given. Many thanks go to the many

donors who put forth the funds for this project. Be-

cause of your unselfish giving, we have a good-

looking, very well built and useable school and

have not incurred any debt, even with a project of

this magnitude.

Heartfelt thanks also go to the many people,

who throughout this project, donated various gifts,

whether with discounted rates, donated products

and services, and to those who gave of their time

and labor, to help the cause of our Christian school.

We would also like to thank our general

contractor, Mr. Case Lubbers, for his management,

labor and willingness to oversee yet another out-

standing project at Adams Christian School. Many

long days and some nights were spent helping our

cause and as one walks through our building it is

A



easy to see the care and oversight he has for our

building.

The building committee will remain busy

throughout the year with various projects. One of

our main projects will be the maintenance of our

school. Let us not forget the great gift of a stunning

school building that we have been given. I believe

we should be aware of, and be prepared for, the

maintenance and upkeep of a building of this stat-

ure. We continue to pray for guidance in the care of

our school.

Instructing Together: A Federation Update

Mr. Joe Kuiper

Federation Committee he Federation of Protestant Reformed Christian

School Societies met on October 23, 2019.

One exciting matter to note from the meeting is that

membership was approved for the Association for

Protestant Reformed Education in Sioux Falls,

South Dakota, which hopes to begin operating for

the 2020-2021 school year. We give thanks to God

for plans for another Christian school. Also, of sig-

nificance is that the Federation is working to obtain

501(c)(3) status with the IRS this year, which will

allow the Federation to obtain additional funding

through donations from supporters.

The Federation, through the Teacher Educa-

tion & Development (TED) Committee and the

Teacher Training Committee (TTC), has been busy

at work. Highlights of their work over the past year

include completion of two videos covering the hir-

ing and interview process, which will assist pro-

spective teachers and school boards in the hiring

process. The Federation held a summer seminar ti-

tled “When Your Student is Hurting” on the topic of

Biblical counseling and the schoolteacher. Rev.

Eriks was the keynote speaker. The seminar aimed

to provide the Christian teacher with a Reformed

and Biblical understanding of counseling and shed

light on some of the struggles that students come to

school with. The TTC has been busy this past year

operating a new mentoring program. Prof. Dykstra

will again be teaching his “History and Principles of

Reformed Education” course at the PRC seminary

this year.

As we consider the work of our schools in

common through the Federation, we remember the

need for Christian school teachers. Currently 2,338

students across North America are receiving a

Christ-centered education in schools affiliated with

the Federation of Protestant Reformed School Soci-

eties. And in God’s providence, the number of stu-

dents has been increasing. Remember this need in

your prayers. Remember this need when you speak

with your children and grandchildren and encourage

them to consider this calling. What a tremendous

blessing a Christian teacher and a Christian educa-

tion are to us and our children.

“A Christian boy or girl can learn mathe-

matics, for example, from a teacher who is

not a Christian; and truth is truth however

learned. But while truth is truth however

learned, the bearing of truth, the meaning of

truth, the purpose of truth, even in the

sphere of mathematics, seem entirely differ-

ent to the Christian from that which they

seem to the non-Christian; and that is why a

truly Christian education is possible only

when Christian conviction underlies not a

part but all of the curriculum of the school.”

John Gresham Machen

Other News

The Nitty-Gritty Melissa Looyenga

Mothers Club President

hat actually happens at Mothers Club? Who

can attend? Why do they meet? Where do

they meet? Have you ever wondered this and then

asked yourself, what is the purpose of the Mothers

Club? If you have, then this article is for you.

Any mother who has a child attending or

planning to attend Adams may join Mothers Club.

We meet the first Thursday of every month (Sep-

tember through May, except December) at 8:00 pm

in the school library. “The purpose of Mothers Club

is to bring about a closer relationship between home

and school so the parents and teachers may cooper-

ate intelligently in the training of the children, and

the aiding of the school financially.”

So that brings us to what actually happens at

Mothers Club. We as mothers meet together to dis-

cuss ways to assist the school financially through

fundraising. We always begin our meeting with

prayer, scripture, and singing, which is a beautiful

T

W



testimony that our hearts are alive with love for our

God and His word, and to thank Him for all that He

has given to us. We do our best to follow Roberts

Rule of Order, but that does not always happen.

This year our officers are: President - Melissa

Looyenga, Vice President – Sara Potjer, Secretary –

Larissa Mingerink, Vice Secretary – Lisa Kuiper,

Treasurer – Janet Doezema, and Vice Treasurer –

Paula Kuiper.

Our meetings typically do not last too long,

and after meetings we enjoy goodies and fellowship

with one another. This part is so enjoyable and

quite encouraging. What a blessing it is to talk with

godly, spiritual women who have gone through so

many of the same things with raising young chil-

dren and teens.

There are countless things that happen dur-

ing the school year that we as mothers assist with as

well. For example, the Mothers Club provides

“Room Mothers” for each class. These mothers ac-

company the teacher and children on field trips to

chaperone the students during the bus ride, the field

trip, and also to help the teacher wherever needed.

These Room Mothers also help with planning class-

room parties that occur during Christmas and teach-

er birthdays. They may be asked to make goodies

for certain things periodically during the year as

well. This is just another way the we can support

our teachers in the classroom.

We also provide cookies and bars for Parent

Teacher Conferences as well as a meal for the

teachers that night. The Mothers Club also holds an

annual Staff Appreciation lunch. This is a delight-

ful way for us as mothers to say “Thank you” to our

teachers and staff for everything they do throughout

the year.

During the year we hold various fundraisers.

The money raised from these events benefits the

school and the teachers’ classrooms. In April of

each year teachers are given the opportunity to fill

out a “Wish List.” On this list they write down any

item that they could use in their classrooms to help

assist them in teaching our children more efficiently

and effectively. The Mothers Club looks over these

lists, with the assistance of the school administrator,

and then approves them for purchase. Most items

are approved as long as we have funds to cover

them and the item falls under the MC guidelines.

We also purchase Bibles and Psalters each year for

the students who are in first grade. Our desire is

that they will read and sing from these, and they

will become an important part of their lives as they

glorify God.

As you can see many things happen

throughout the year that are run by mothers and

have begun in the Mothers Club. We certainly can’t

forget Hot Lunch on Wednesdays and Pizza Friday.

There are so many more things I could list, but I

think you get the idea! If you have any questions

about what we do, please give one of the officers a

call and we will do our best to answer any ques-

tions.

Now that you have the nitty-gritty, imagine

yourself being involved in one or two of these glo-

rious activities! It is a wonderful opportunity to get

to know our fabulous teachers and staff at school.

You will never regret it. Make an effort. Get in-

volved. You will love it!



ACS Calendar 2020-2021 School Year

July January S M T W T F S S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 1 2

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22: End of 1st Semester; Records Day (half day)

26 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

31

August February S M T W T F S S M T W T F S

1 1 2 3 4 5 6

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 28

30 31

September March S M T W T F S S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 8: School Starts 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 26: Spring Program (half day)

27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31

October April S M T W T F S S M T W T F S

1 2 3 1 2 3 2-9: Spring Break

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22-23: PRTI Convention 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30

November May S M T W T F S S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 26-27: Thanksgiving Break 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

29 30 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31 31: Memorial Day

December June S M T W T F S S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 8: Last day of school (half day)

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 23: Christmas Chapel (half day) 24 – 1: Christmas Break

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31 27 28 29 30



Notes on the 2020-2021 School Calendar

After two years of starting school before Labor Day, the School Board reviewed the school calendar and decid-

ed it was in the best interest of our children’s education to return to the traditional “after Labor Day” start.

The educational implications discussed were…

…August temperatures are usually hot. Starting before Labor Day adds an additional week of school in

higher summer temperatures.

…Starting before Labor Day causes our students to start the year with two 4-day weeks. Our first full

week of school isn’t gained until the third week. It can be difficult to establish profitable routine and in-

struction with a holiday break so close to the start of the year.

…By starting before Labor Day, Kindergarten (MWF schedule) loses 1 day of school in a year due to a

Labor Day break

…By starting before Labor Day, Choir (MF schedule) loses 2 periods per year.

…With CCHS locking the Friday evening after Memorial Day for their graduation, the grade schools ro-

tate between the T, W, and Th evenings of that week. Ending school that week does not allow us to hold

JH class trips, exams, and graduation all after Memorial Day causing a holiday break to interrupt exams.

By graduating the week after Memorial Day break, we can schedule all these things after the Monday

holiday which leaves the month of May for classroom instruction.

Although the School Board will only adopt a calendar one year at a time, we see this working well for the con-

ceivable future.



Answers:

1. 1901

2. Aaron Burr

3. Oil ($71 billion/year)

4. Igneous

5. Catholic Church

6. ¼

7. Guido de Brès

8. 6

9. Norman Schwarzkopf

10. Delaware

Just a little trivia! ... 1. What year was President William McKinley assassinated (+/- 1 year)?

2. Who shot and killed Alexander Hamilton?

3. In terms of dollars, what is the highest exported US commodity?

4. What type of rock is granite: igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic?

5. Where did much of our modern musical symbols and notations originate: Egyptians,

Chinese, Catholic Church, Judaism?

6. What is ½ x ½?

7. Who wrote the Belgic Confession?

8. What is the plant hardiness zone number of the West Michigan lakeshore?

9. Which US general commanded the American forces during the Persian Gulf War in

1991?

10. What was the first state to ratify the U.S Constitution making it the first state

in the United States?

_____________________________________________________________

# Correct

All 10: Walking Encyclopedia (see the administrator for a job application)

8-9: Sage

6-7: Scholar

4-5: Know-It-All

2-3: Above Average

1: Just Okay

0: Uh-Oh (see the administrator for an enrollment application)

Documents

AANNNNOOUUNNCCEERR - Adams Christian School...its sharp beak to teach us that we should make sure that we are having a sharp eye for sin. ~ Lucas Kuiper God Cares for Animals The orca