Columbus Christian School News
February 8, 2019
A Note From Mrs. Donnell
Punxsutawney Phil came out of his hole last Saturday. He told us that we will experience an early spring. I sure hope Phil is correct. Our blast of frigid temperatures was not much fun. I did spend some time doing a bit of research about “Groundhog Day” and found it very interesting. I think you will find some of the research to be very interesting as well.
The Christian religious holiday of Candlemas Day has become most commonly associated with the current celebration, Groundhog Day, but it's roots are older than that. The celebration started in Christianity as the day, (February 2nd), when Christians would take their candles to the church to have them blessed. This, they felt, would bring blessings to their household for the remaining winter. As time rolled on the day evolved into another form. The following English folk song highlights the transition to weather prognostication.
If Candlemas be fair and bright, Come, Winter, have another flight;
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Go, Winter, and come not again.
This “interpretation” of Candlemas Day became the norm for most of Europe. As you can read, there is no mention of an animal of any kind in the preceding song. It wasn't until this traditional belief was introduced to Germany that an animal was introduced into the lore, hence another evolution of February 2nd. If, according to German lore, the hedgehog saw his shadow on Candlemas Day there would be a “Second Winter” or 6 more weeks of bad weather. As German settlers came to what is now the United States, so too came their traditions and folklore. With the absence of hedgehogs in the United States, a similar hibernating animal was chosen. Hence the groundhog!
In Punxsutawney, 1886 marked the first time that Groundhog Day appeared in the local newspaper. The following year brought the first official trek to Gobbler's Knob. Each year since then has seen a steady increase in participation of the celebration from people all over the world. Today, Groundhog Day remains what it was when the tradition first came to our shores and found its way to Punxsutawney. A day to take everything a little less seriously, and break up the winter monotony... at least for a little while.
While it’s fun to play along with the hype that Groundhog Day brings, make sure that you’re searching for the answers to your questions through God’s Word and not the world around you! I think that God will have the final say in “how long winter will last!”
Blessings,
Mrs. Donnell
CCS Prayer Request
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” - Galatians 6:2
CCS is a family united by Christ. Please join us in praying for the Ridder family as one of their children continues to battle serious health issues. We know God is good and faithful and has purpose even in this.
Senior Night Recognition - Saturday, February 9th
- Junior Varsity Boys - 5PM
- CCS Senior Class of 2019 Recognition
- Varsity Boys - 6:30PM
Valentine's Day Sale
Items available:
Singing Telegram - $0.50
Candy Bar - $1.00
Pencil - $0.50
Scented conversation heart eraser $0.25
Re-enrollment time for all students at CCS
Dear Crusader Families,
Early enrollment begins February 1st - for both current and future families! Current families who enroll or re-enroll during the month of February will receive priority placement. Forms will be sent home with your child and are also attached to this email.
Benefits of Early Enrollment (February 1-28, 2019)
Lock in 2018-19 tuition rates. (Rate increases March 1st)
Discounted Enrollment Fee ($150/child or $200/family)
Secure a spot in your child’s class
For current 5th grade families curious what it’s like to attend CCS for middle school or 8th grade families curious about CCS high school, we invite you to continue to ask questions, schedule a private tour or shadow during a school day. Please take advantage of the resources on: www.whycolumbuschristian.com. This site can provide answers to questions you may not know or think to ask.
Our next Open House for Preschool-12th is Thursday, April 18th. Please share this with your family and friends who may be interested in seeing what God is doing here!
Virtual eLearning Day Procedures/Practices
What is a Virtual eLearning Day?
Students will not report to school due to inclement weather, but will engage in learning activities using digital resources.
Why is Columbus Christian School using eLearning to make up for cancelled inclement weather days?
The primary objective is to maintain the momentum of learning. Virtual eLearning Days allow student to minimize the interruptions caused by inclement weather days and continue to make educational progress.
How and when will students and parents know if an eLearning Day will take place?
Inclement weather cancellations and announcements of a Virtual eLearning Day will be relayed through the school’s notification systems. RenWeb, social media and local TV/radio stations.
How will students be informed about assignments during an eLearning Day?
Parents and students should become familiar with the Google Classroom login procedures. All teachers will post contact information and homework assignments on Google Classroom by 9:00 am on a Virtual eLearning Day, and will be available for online communication from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm.
How much time is the student expected to work online during the eLearning Day?
No minimum or maximum amount of time is expected. Students should complete their work carefully, using the amount of time that is appropriate for them and within the guidelines determined by the assigning teacher.
When will class assignments be due?
Assignments should be completed as assigned by the teacher. If the student has issues completing the work by the assigned time, they must report their issues to the assigning teacher. If the issues (connectivity, power outage etc.) are reported to the teacher then the student has two (2) days after we return to school to turn in the assignments.
What if students do not complete their Virtual eLearning assignments?
Assignments not completed by the assigned deadline will be recorded as a zero in the gradebook and students with incomplete eLearning assignments will be charged with an unexcused absence for a partial or full day unless issues occur and are reported to the assigning teacher.
How will eLearning be monitored and counted for attendance?
Accountability for students will rely on assessment of work. Teachers will assess the student’s work and determine if the student has met the instructional goals for the day. The actual amount of time online is less important than the work produced and/or created by the student to demonstrate learning and mastery of learning targets.
Elementary Chapel
When was the last time you thought how big God is?
There are things about God that we will never know.
Middle School & High School Chapel
College Financial Planning
Please join us for an event sponsored by Thrivent Financial, a Fortune 500, Christian financial company. Thrivent is committed to helping Christian families honor God with their money by providing support for biblical financial stewardship.
Monday, March 25 from 6:30-8:00 PM
at Columbus Christian School
About this event: Two professional consultants will discuss how to create a financial plan for your student's college education. They will discuss saving strategies, how to navigate the FAFSA, and how to avoid debt at all costs. They will also facilitate an interactive Q&A session to address any questions you may have about the college planning process.
Snacks and drinks will be provided.
This workshop is open to the public, but pre-registration is requested. Pre-register by emailing Laura Cox, CCS Guidance Counselor, at lcox@columbus-christian.org.
21st Century Scholar Program
For students in the 7th and 8th grade.
The 21st Century Scholars Program “provides students up to four years of undergraduate tuition at any participating public college or university in Indiana. If you attend a private college, the state will award an amount comparable to that of a four-year public college. If you attend a participating proprietary (for-profit) school, the state will award a tuition scholarship equal to that of Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana.”
For specific program requirements, visit the home page of their website: https://scholars.in.gov/
For specific eligibility requirements, visit the application page of their website: http://scholars.in.gov/parents/enroll/
To apply online, go to this link: https://scholartrack.che.in.gov/Login?ReturnUrl=%2f
If you are unable to apply online for whatever reason, Mrs. Cox can do it for you. In order for that to happen, you must complete and submit the Scholar Enrollment Worksheet (found here: https://scholars.in.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/2018-2019-Enrollment-Application-Worksheet.pdf). Turn this in NO LATER than Friday, May 3, 2019.
Note: All eligible students must submit their application by June 30 of a student’s 8th-grade year.
College might seem “far away” at this point in time, but planning NOW can save you LOTS of money later! We would love for each of our eligible students to take advantage of this generous opportunity.
Mrs. Cox will be presenting this information to 7th and 8th grade students in their homeroom where they will be given a hard copy of the Scholar Enrollment Worksheet.
For more information, contact Mrs. Laura Cox, School Guidance Counselor at lcox@columbus-christian.org.
GOODNESS
This month our CCS MS/HS will be learning what it looks like to practice GOODNESS fearlessly. Please join us in encouraging your student(s) when they demonstrate this "focus-fruit" at home!
We are excited to see how the Holy Spirit will transform the hearts and minds of these young fruit-bearers!
Senior Class of 2019 Fundraiser - Thirty-One bags
Senior Class of 2019 Fundraiser - Panera Bread Fundraiser
PTF has a private Facebook page
Join the private PTF page to stay up to date on behind-the-scenes happenings at CCS.
Show your CCS Spirit next week leading up to the boys ICSAA South Regional game on Saturday!
ATTENTION CCS ATHLETIC FAMILIES!🏀🤸♀️⛹️♀️⛹️♂️
February 12th is Team Picture Day. You will receive photo order forms from your coach which are due (with payment) on picture day.
Picture times are as follows:
4:15 - 4:25 Varsity Cheerleaders
4:25 - 4:45 Varsity Girls Basketball
4:45 - 5:15 Mini Cheerleaders
5:15 - 5:45 Elementary Cheerleaders
5:45 - 6:10 Elementary Girls Basketball
6:10 - 6:30 Elementary Boys Basketball
6:30 - 6:50 Jr. High Boys Basketball
6:50 - 7:10 JV Boys Basketball
7:10 - 7:30 Varsity Boys Basketball
NOTE: Coaches will collect uniforms immediately following your team picture. Athletes will need to bring a change of clothes! The only teams keeping their uniform will be JV Boys, Varsity Girls and Varsity Boys until their season is complete.
Congratulations to CCS Senior, Conner E. on scoring your 1000th point! We praise God for your leadership and the talent He's given you!
Congrats on the ICSAA South Regional win Lady Crusaders
2019 Christian Cheerleaders of America Competition
Who's Ready For Summer Sports?
Get the CCS Athletic Schedule delivered right to your phone!
It's easy and it's FREE!
Get instructions here: How to sign up for Eventlink.
Note:
Please double check your time zone that is selected in your profile.
- Go to your calendar and hover your mouse over your name
- When the drop down box appears, click on “Manage Profile”
- Check the time zone box and make sure it is set on Eastern and not Central
Concessions Help Needed Saturday, Feb. 9
Athletic Parents - sign up for concessions and admissions
Concession Volunteers – An important function that helps fulfill the athletic programs financial need is the selling of concessions at all home athletic events. Parents will be asked to volunteer to work the concession booth for home athletic events on specifically assigned dates. Again, after rosters are set, a list will be published for parents to assist in this endeavor. All efforts will be made so that no parent works during his/her student’s game.
Parent Participation Requirement: Parents should sign up for to help 4 times per basketball season and 2 times during soccer and volleyball for set up, clean up, concession and/or admissions and 1 Track or Stadium date. For any parent that does not sign up they will be assigned times to work that are not during your students games. If you need to switch there will be a master list with contact information and you can switch with someone. If hours are not fulfilled by participating students there will be an additional $200.00 fee. Each event served is equivalent to $40.00. The binder is located in the office.
Rally's Hot Dogs
CCS Before School Care (K-12th grade)
CCS Before School Care (K-12th grade)
Before-School Care hours are 7:00 am - 7:30 am Monday-Friday. Mr. Brian Buterbaugh is volunteering his time as part of his ministry to the youth of CCS. Free-will donations may be paid to Mrs. Tammy Harvey in the main office.
Immunizations
Theresa Forkert RN
Bartholomew County Health Department
2675 Foxpointe Drive Suite B
Columbus, IN 47203
812-379-1555, Ext 1 (office)
Background Check Must Be On File
Important Dates
Valentine's Day Sale
February 7-13
Mid Term Ends
Friday, February 8
2 HR Delay for Staff Development
Tuesday, February 12
Athletic Team Picture Day & Uniform Return
Tuesday, February 12
CCS Board Meeting
Thursday, February 14 / 6:30PM
PTF Quarterly Meeting
Thursday, February 21 / 3:30PM
ISTEP Testing
March 4-8
Report Cards Go Home
Tuesday, March 6
End of Nine Weeks
Friday, March 8
Spring Break
March 11-22
IREAD 3 Testing
March 25-29
College Financial Planning Event
Monday, March 25 / 6:30-8PM
CCS History Day (8th-11th grades)
Friday, April 5
CCS Drama Program
April 5 & 6
ISTEP Testing
April 8-12
1st Grade
CCS Alumni News
One of our CCS alums is prepping for a special trip to the United Nations in NYC this month! As part of a class through Purdue University, taught by Jon Padfield, Erica Gregg (‘18), was invited to speak to a group of UN Leaders and international students on the subject of Human Trafficking.
She also shared with us how her education at CCS prepared her, not only academically, but by fostering in her a heart to impact the lost for Christ. The Lord has given her a big platform to influence future decisions made on a global level. Please join us in praying for Erica as she continues her preparation and that the Lord would be glorified through her work!
Check out Erica's interview on the Alumni Blog - located on the new Crusader Alumni web page at www.whycolumbuschristian.com/alumni.
Special thanks to Lovewell Productions for helping us capture this interview!
Hilltop Junior Winter Retreat: Grades 3-5
February 22-23
$15 if registered by 1/15
$20 if registered after 1/15
Download registration form below or register online at: http://www.hilltopchristiancamp.com/portfolio-items/junior-retreat-february-22-23/
For more information: 812-988-4991
The Amazing Chemistry Show
Sunday, February 17 / 2:00-5:00pm
If you are between the ages of 1-101, you will enjoy The Amazing Chemistry Show & Family Experience. Invite your family, friends and neighbors to join you.
2:00-4:00pm Family Experience - Explore over 150 science experiences with your family featuring: rockets, magnets, electricity, slime and more!
4:00-5:00pm The Amazing Chemistry Show - Be amazed and entertained by explosions, foam, liquid nitrogen and glow in the dark fun that will captivate adults and kids alike while Josh Denhart shares the love God has for them.
For more information, contact First Christian Church at 812-379-4491 or view the information on their website at: https://fccoc.org/ministries/childrens
Check out the Parent Resources available on the CCS website
Free Resource
Better Together
CCS Verse of the Week
Columbus Christian School Contact Info.
Email: info@columbus-christian.org
Website: http://www.whycolumbuschristian.com
Location: 3170 Indiana Ave. Columbus, IN 47201
Phone: (812) 372-3780
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/columbuschristianschool/
Twitter: @ccscrusader